Underground Rail Line Planned In Siliguri ‘Chicken’s Neck’

According to the Indian Railways, the underground section is strategically significant due to the corridor’s narrow geography and proximity to international borders. Chetan Kumar Srivastava, General Manager of the Northeast Frontier Railway, said the proposed underground alignment is extremely important from a security perspective.

The planned underground tracks will run between Tin Mile Haat and Rangapani stations in northern West Bengal, laid at a depth of around 20–24 metres below ground across largely plain terrain. One of the underground lines will head towards Bagdogra, a location of strategic importance due to its role in India’s air defence infrastructure.

Hitendra Goyal, Chief Administrative Officer (Construction), NFR, said the project also includes upgrading the existing double-line section into a four-line overground corridor. Once completed, the stretch will effectively have six railway lines—four overground and two underground.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that detailed planning is currently underway for the strategic rail corridor.