chicken-neck-link-to-northeast-to-get-fourth-railway-line

The Centre has approved a fourth railway line through the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, also known as the 'Chicken's Neck', a senior Northeast Frontier Railway official said.

 

NFR General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava said the Malda-New Jalpaiguri section is a crucial rail link connecting the northeastern states with the rest of the country. The move is aimed at increasing the capacity of the strategically sensitive corridor.

 

“A third line had earlier been proposed for the section, but approval has now been accorded for a fourth line as well,” Shrivastava said at a press conference in Katihar.

 

Another major project is the nearly 29-km double-line underground section between Tinmai Ghat and Bagdogra. According to Shrivastava, both projects will significantly strengthen rail infrastructure along the corridor.

 

The Siliguri Corridor is a narrow stretch of land in north Bengal that connects the Northeast with the rest of India. It is around 20-22 km wide at its narrowest points and extends for nearly 60 km. Given its strategic location, the corridor is considered critical for both national security and logistics.

 

Shrivastava said the railways is placing special emphasis on increasing capacity in the region and strengthening infrastructure along the route.

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Doubling work in the Barsoi section is also underway, while infrastructure across the Katihar division is being expanded to handle rising passenger and freight traffic.

 

According to Shrivastava, 42 new trains were introduced on different routes over the past year, while around 250 new stoppages were added to improve passenger connectivity.

 

Redevelopment of New Jalpaiguri railway station is progressing rapidly and is expected to be completed by April 2027.

 

The NFR also plans to introduce new local train services from Jogbani, Radhikapur and Balurghat, aimed at improving connectivity to border and remote areas.

 

Shrivastava said 100% electrification of the NFR network has been completed, with work now focused on expanding electric train operations.

 

There are also plans to extend Vande Bharat services beyond Guwahati to Tinsukia and Agartala, with trains operating in both directions. The proposed services are expected to provide faster rail connectivity to more parts of the Northeast.