{"id":1307859,"date":"2026-04-02T12:09:58","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T06:39:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trak.in\/stories\/?p=1307859"},"modified":"2026-04-02T12:10:11","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T06:40:11","slug":"railways-underground-tunnel-in-siliguri-chickens-neck-to-supercharge-northeast-connectivity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trak.in\/stories\/railways-underground-tunnel-in-siliguri-chickens-neck-to-supercharge-northeast-connectivity\/","title":{"rendered":"Railways’ Underground Tunnel in Siliguri ‘Chicken’s Neck’ to Supercharge Northeast Connectivity"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Like a fragile thread binding distant lands, the \u201cChicken\u2019s Neck\u201d prepares to be reinforced with steel, silence, and subterranean strength.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reinforcing India\u2019s Narrow Lifeline<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

India\u2019s strategically vital Siliguri Corridor\u2014often called the \u201cChicken\u2019s Neck\u201d\u2014is set for a major infrastructure upgrade with a new underground railway line announced by Ashwini Vaishnaw. The project aims to strengthen connectivity to the Northeast while ensuring reliability in a region known for its geopolitical sensitivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Falling under the Katihar Division of Northeast Frontier Railway, the proposed<\/a> route will run from Tinmile Hat to Rangapani and onward to Bagdogra. It will pass through key districts including Darjeeling and Uttar Dinajpur in West Bengal, as well as Kishanganj in Bihar. The underground stretch will span 35.76 km between Dumdangi and Bagdogra, with a significant 33.40 km section between Dumdangi and Rangapani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This corridor, roughly 22 km wide, serves as the narrow link connecting mainland India to its northeastern states. Given its vulnerability to congestion, natural disasters, and proximity to international borders with Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, the decision to build underground reflects a focus on long-term resilience and security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Engineering Security, Enabling Speed<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond connectivity, the underground alignment is designed as a strategic asset. By offering a protected and non-visible route, it will enable uninterrupted movement of defence personnel, military equipment, and emergency supplies during crises. Its proximity to Bagdogra Air Force Station and the Bengdubi Army Cantonment\u2014home to the Indian Army\u2019s 33 Corps\u2014further enhances its role in integrated air\u2013rail logistics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The project will deploy advanced engineering technologies, including 2\u00d725 kV AC electrification, Automatic Signalling (Standard-IV), and VOIP-based communication systems. Infrastructure will meet RDSO\u2019s 25-ton axle load standards, while twin tunnels will be constructed using Tunnel Boring Machines alongside NATM methods for crossovers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vaishnaw described the Tinmile Hat\u2013Rangapani\u2013Bagdogra line as a reflection of Indian Railways\u2019 commitment to strengthening strategic infrastructure in the Northeast. He also highlighted West Bengal\u2019s record railway allocation of \u20b914,205 crore this year, alongside ongoing projects worth \u20b992,000 crore. Adding to the region\u2019s momentum, the state is also set to see its first bullet train, with Siliguri as the starting point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beneath the narrowest stretch of land, a silent passage will rise\u2014turning vulnerability into strength, and distance into seamless connection.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

India plans a 35.76 km underground railway through the Siliguri Corridor to strengthen secure connectivity to the Northeast. Announced by Ashwini Vaishnaw, the project will enhance defence logistics and resilience in a sensitive border region. Built with advanced technology, it complements major railway investments in West Bengal, including a future bullet train starting from Siliguri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Image Source<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Like a fragile thread binding distant lands, the \u201cChicken\u2019s Neck\u201d prepares to be reinforced with steel, silence, and subterranean strength. Reinforcing India\u2019s Narrow Lifeline India\u2019s strategically vital Siliguri Corridor\u2014often called the \u201cChicken\u2019s Neck\u201d\u2014is set for a major infrastructure upgrade with a new underground railway line announced by Ashwini Vaishnaw. The project aims to strengthen connectivity […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":1307913,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[9673,136,9493],"class_list":["post-1307859","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business","tag-chicken-neck","tag-indian-railways","tag-tunnel"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nRailways' Underground Tunnel in Siliguri 'Chicken's Neck' to Supercharge Northeast Connectivity - Trak.in - Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/trak.in\/stories\/railways-underground-tunnel-in-siliguri-chickens-neck-to-supercharge-northeast-connectivity\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Railways' Underground Tunnel in Siliguri 'Chicken's Neck' to Supercharge Northeast Connectivity - Trak.in - Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Like a fragile thread binding distant lands, the \u201cChicken\u2019s Neck\u201d prepares to be reinforced with steel, silence, and subterranean strength. Reinforcing India\u2019s Narrow Lifeline India\u2019s strategically vital Siliguri Corridor\u2014often called the \u201cChicken\u2019s Neck\u201d\u2014is set for a major infrastructure upgrade with a new underground railway line announced by Ashwini Vaishnaw. 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