To ensure uninterrupted rail connectivity to the North East, Indian Railways (IR) will construct a new underground railway line from Tinmile Hat to Rangapani and onwards to Bagdogra. The proposed new line will pass through the Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the “Chicken’s Neck”.
Speaking during a media interaction last Saturday, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the project is aimed at ensuring secure, reliable and uninterrupted rail connectivity in this sensitive corridor.
Why is this corridor important ?
The corridor is important due to its proximity to international borders with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. Moreover, it is vulnerable to natural disasters, congestion and security-related disruptions.
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.
The project will also support air–rail logistics integration due to its proximity to Bagdogra Air Force Station and the Bengdubi Army Cantonment of the Indian Army’s 33 Corps.
Alignment details
The proposed project falls under the Katihar Division of NFR and spans parts of Darjeeling and Uttar Dinajpur districts of West Bengal and Kishanganj district of Bihar.
The proposed line has a total length of 35.76 km between Dumdangi and Bagdogra with the Dumdangi – Rangapani section measuring 33.40 km.
The alignment is an underground corridor to ensure secure, uninterrupted and resilient connectivity from mainland India to the North-East through a narrow stretch of land approximately 22 km wide.
Project details
The project proposes a 2×25 kV AC electrification system, Automatic Signalling (Standard-IV) with VOIP-based communication on OFC and quad cables, bridges designed to RDSO 25-ton axle load standards and twin tunnels using Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) methodology with NATM tunnels for crossovers.
The proposed Tinmile Hat – Rangapani – Bagdogra new underground railway line reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to strengthening strategic infrastructure in the Northeast.
