The Indian government has unveiled plans to construct an approximately 40-kilometre underground railway corridor in northern West Bengal to bolster connectivity between the Northeast region and mainland India — a move that could reshape economic integration and strategic mobility in this geopolitically sensitive part of the country. The project, announced in conjunction with the latest Union Budget, aims to enhance transport efficiency while addressing vulnerability in the narrow Siliguri land corridor linking the Northeast to the rest of the country. The proposed subterranean alignment — slated to run between the Tin Mile Haat and Rangapani sectors — is part of a broader effort by the national railway authority to double down on infrastructure that supports both civilian and defence requirements. In addition to the underground installation, existing overground tracks are set to be expanded from two to four lines, effectively creating a six-track passage when completed.
For decades, the Siliguri Corridor, often dubbed the “Chicken’s Neck,” has been recognised as a strategic pinch point: a narrow strip of terrain less than 25 kilometres wide that lies between Nepal and Bangladesh and forms the principal overland connection to the Northeast. Urban planners and security analysts have long highlighted this corridor’s economic fragility and geopolitical exposure, noting that disruptions — whether from extreme weather events, border tensions, or infrastructure failure — could significantly impact mobility and commerce. Officials involved in planning argue that moving a portion of the rail link underground will mitigate congestion, improve redundancy, and enhance long-term resilience to climate stressors and security risks. An official from the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) noted that placing key rail infrastructure below ground reduces vulnerabilities inherent to the open corridor and could help ensure uninterrupted connectivity during monsoon water surges and other extreme events. From an urban development lens, the corridor upgrade is also significant for local economies. Experts suggest that improved rail capacity can lead to expanded freight movement and faster passenger services, encouraging investment flows in sectors such as logistics, tourism, and real estate across West Bengal and the Northeast. A senior infrastructure planner noted that such multi-modal connectivity projects often act as catalysts for economic inclusion in peripheral regions, helping to reduce regional disparities.
However, the plan raises questions about environmental impact, land use, and social equity. Subterranean construction in flood-prone alluvial plains requires careful environmental and hydrological assessment to avoid unintended consequences for groundwater regimes and surface ecology. Responsible implementation will hinge on transparent planning and community engagement, especially in areas where construction could intersect fragile ecosystems or sensitive settlements. As this rail corridor evolves from blueprint to reality, authorities will need to balance strategic priorities with sustainable infrastructure practices, ensuring that the Northeast’s integration with the rest of India is resilient, equitable and future-ready.
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