Indian Railways Unveils Strategic Underground Line for Siliguri Corridor
In a significant move to bolster national security and connectivity, Indian Railways has announced plans to construct a twin-tunnel underground railway line through the strategically vital Siliguri Corridor. This narrow stretch, often referred to as the "Chicken's Neck," serves as the crucial link between India's northeastern states and the mainland.
Securing a Vulnerable Lifeline
The proposed 35.76-kilometer underground line will run from Tinmile Hat to Rangapani and onward to Bagdogra. This alignment has been meticulously planned to create a protected, non-visible alternative route. The primary objective is to ensure the uninterrupted movement of defense personnel, military equipment, and emergency relief materials, especially during times of crisis or natural disasters.
"The alignment has been planned primarily as an underground corridor to ensure secure, uninterrupted and resilient connectivity in the strategically sensitive Siliguri Corridor," stated NF Railway CPRO Kapinjal Kishore Sharma. "This corridor connects mainland India with the northeastern States through a narrow stretch of land approximately 22 km wide."
Addressing Geopolitical and Geographical Challenges
The Siliguri Corridor's unique position, nestled close to the international borders of Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, coupled with its susceptibility to floods, congestion, and potential security disruptions, underscores the immense strategic importance of this project. The underground design directly addresses these vulnerabilities by offering a route that is both invisible from the surface and protected from external elements and threats.
The project will specifically enhance connectivity to key defense installations. It will link to the Bagdogra Indian Air Force station and the Army's 33rd Corps Bengdubi Cantonment, reinforcing secure logistics in one of the nation's most sensitive areas. The Dumdangi-Rangapani section of this line will measure 33.40 kilometers in length.
Project Scope and Official Announcement
Under the jurisdiction of the Katihar division of Northeast Frontier (NF) Railway, this ambitious infrastructure project will span multiple districts. It will cover parts of Darjeeling and Uttar Dinajpur in West Bengal, as well as Kishanganj district in Bihar.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw formally announced the project during a media interaction last week, highlighting its critical role in national infrastructure and defense preparedness.
"The underground alignment will provide a protected and non-visible alternative route, enabling uninterrupted movement of defence personnel, military equipment and emergency relief materials during exigencies," emphasized CPRO Sharma.
A Transformative Vision for the Northeast
This underground corridor is poised to be a transformative development for India's northeastern frontier. By providing a lifeline that is both concealed and resilient, it navigates the complex convergence of challenging geography and delicate geopolitics that define the region. The project represents a major step in ensuring that connectivity to the northeast remains robust, secure, and reliable under all circumstances, safeguarding both strategic interests and humanitarian aid capabilities.
