The Railway Ministry has cleared a strategically significant railway expansion project, sanctioning the construction of the third and fourth lines between Aluabari Road and New Jalpaiguri (NJP), a stretch cutting through the sensitive Chicken’s Neck corridor in Siliguri. The move is being hailed as a major step towards reinforcing national security and regional connectivity across the eastern sector.
Chicken’s Neck, a narrow 22-km wide land corridor in North Bengal, is a lifeline that connects mainland India to the northeastern states. Flanked by Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, the region’s vulnerability to geopolitical threats makes it one of India’s most critical logistical bottlenecks.
“Considering its strategic importance, particularly for national security and vital supply chains, the development of additional railway tracks through this corridor is expected to significantly enhance both security and regional connectivity,” said a senior official of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).
The Rs 1,786 crore project covers a 57-kilometre stretch and is intended to ease congestion on the current double line section. According to officials, the expansion will enhance the speed and operational efficiency of passenger and freight movement across the corridor, especially along the high-density Delhi–Guwahati route.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the national significance of the project, stating, “This route is vital for connecting Northeast India to the rest of the country. Once the new lines are completed, the transportation of goods and movement of personnel—including military and paramilitary forces—will become far more efficient and timely.”
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The project includes the construction of 7 new stations, 99 bridges, 3 road overbridges, and 8 road underpasses, cutting across Kishanganj in Bihar and Jalpaiguri and Uttar Dinajpur in West Bengal. The upgraded rail infrastructure is expected to save approximately 2.14 crore litres of diesel annually—delivering both environmental and economic benefits.
Officials also emphasised the project’s economic multiplier effects. With faster movement of regional commodities, the corridor is likely to catalyse trade, improve rural access and generate employment.
“The upgraded railway tracks will serve as a critical lifeline not only for civilian needs but also for rapid deployment in times of military necessity,” said a senior railway official.
Chief Public Relations Officer of the Northeast Frontier Railway, Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, called the project a transformative leap: “This is not just about building tracks. This project will serve as a powerful tool for regional integration, quality of life improvement and long-term economic development across Bihar, Bengal and Northeast India.”
Construction is set to begin shortly, setting the stage for one of the most strategically important railway developments in the country. Once completed, the project is expected to strengthen the infrastructure backbone of the region and ensure rapid response capability through the Chicken’s Neck, an area as critical for the economy as it is for defence.
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