Kolkata: Indian Railways has made a comprehensive plan to construct a new underground railway line through the Siliguri corridor, often referred to as the Chicken’s Neck.
The proposed underground line will extend from Tin Mile Hat to Rangapani and then onwards to Bagdogra.
This line will cover a total length of 35.8 km between Dumdangi and Bagdogra. The Dumdangi-Rangapani section measures 33.4 km.
The project proposes a 2×25 kC 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 alignment is planned primarily as an underground corridor to ensure secure and uninterrupted connectivity in the strategically sensitive Siliguri corridor.
This is a vital connection between the Indian mainland and the north-eastern states through a narrow stretch of land that is 22km wide in sections.
The corridor will be in proximity to the international borders with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
The railway line will ensure uninterrupted connectivity during security-related disruptions, natural disasters and congestion.
It will also ensure the 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.
Indian Railways also plans to lay another pair of tracks between Malda and Dibrugarh, the FLS, which is near completion.
