India's Strategic 'Chicken Neck' Corridor to Get Underground Railway Boost
In a significant move to bolster regional connectivity to India's North-eastern States, Indian Railways has unveiled ambitious plans to construct a new underground railway line through the Siliguri Corridor, famously known as the "Chicken's Neck". This strategic initiative aims to ensure secure, reliable, and uninterrupted rail connectivity in this sensitive region, as announced by Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Route and Length of the Underground Project
The new railway line will be developed under the Katihar Division of the Northeast Frontier Railway. It will commence from Tinmile Hat, proceed to Rangapani, and extend onward to Bagdogra. En route, the link will traverse parts of Darjeeling and Uttar Dinajpur districts in West Bengal, as well as the Kishanganj district in Bihar.
The proposed underground alignment will span a total length of 35.76 kilometers between Dumdangi and Bagdogra, with the Dumdangi–Rangapani section measuring 33.40 km. This corridor, approximately 22 km wide, serves as a critical lifeline connecting mainland India with the North-eastern States and has been strategically planned as an underground route to provide resilient connectivity.
Strategic Importance and Protection Measures
Due to the corridor's proximity to international borders with Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, along with its vulnerability to natural disasters, congestion, and security risks, the underground railway line is poised to play a pivotal role. The alignment will offer a protected and non-visible route, facilitating the uninterrupted movement of defense personnel, military equipment, and emergency relief supplies during crises.
Its location near the Bagdogra Air Force Station and the Bengdubi Army Cantonment of the Indian Army's 33 Corps further supports the integration of air–rail logistics, enhancing overall strategic preparedness.
Modern Technology and Engineering Innovations
The project will leverage cutting-edge technology and advanced engineering solutions, including:
- A 2×25 kV AC electrification system for efficient power supply.
- Automatic Signalling (Standard-IV) with VOIP-based communication on OFC and quad cables.
- Bridges constructed to RDSO 25-ton axle load standards for durability.
- Twin tunnels built using the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) method, complemented by NATM tunnels for crossovers.
Vaishnaw described the Tinmile Hat–Rangapani–Bagdogra underground line as a testament to railways' commitment to strengthening strategic infrastructure in the Northeast.
Budget Allocations and Broader Infrastructure Developments
West Bengal has received a record budget allocation of Rs. 14,205 crore for railways this year, which is more than three times the average allocation during the 2009–2014 period. Additionally, railway projects worth approximately Rs. 92,000 crore are currently underway in the state, promising a major infrastructural transformation.
In a related development, the Union minister revealed that the first Bullet Train for West Bengal, announced in this year's Rail Budget, will begin its journey from Siliguri, further enhancing regional connectivity and modernizing transport networks.
