New Delhi: In a strategic move to enhance connectivity in the northeastern parts of India, the Indian Railways has sanctioned the Final Location Survey (FLS) for 14 new railway routes. These new routes aim to traverse through neighbouring countries such as Nepal and Bangladesh, covering a total distance of 1,275.50 kilometres.
The initiative is expected to bolster trade and tourism activities in the region significantly. A senior official from the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) highlighted the importance of this development, stating, “The survey, once completed, will pave the way for improved rail connectivity to the Northeast and neighbouring countries, enhancing trade and tourism activities.” Currently, the primary rail link to the Northeast runs through the Siliguri Corridor, a strategic and narrow strip of land known as the “Chicken’s Neck,” bordered by Nepal to the north and Bangladesh to the south, with the China border just 170 kilometres away. The Indian government has been exploring alternative routes through Bangladesh to reduce reliance on the Siliguri Corridor, which would also cut travel time to the northeastern states. The Bangladesh government’s decision to permit the laying of railway tracks within its territory has been a pivotal factor in advancing India’s connectivity plans. According to railway sources, the survey will cover 861 kilometres in Bangladesh, 202.50 kilometres in Nepal, and 212 kilometres in North Bengal and the Northeast.
A senior railway official explained, “The FLS is a crucial step in the development of new railway routes. It provides essential inputs for project planning and cost estimation. In many of the proposed routes, existing railway tracks cover a significant portion, while others require new track laying or gauge conversion.” For instance, the Balurghat – Hili – Parbatipur – Kaunia – Lalmanirhat – Mogalhat – Gitaldaha section, spanning 32 kilometres, requires laying 14 kilometres of new tracks and gauge conversion for the remaining 18 kilometres. Another example includes the 250-kilometre-long Balurghat – Hili – Gaibandha – Mahendraganj – Tura – Mendipathar route, where the entire stretch needs new track laying.
Several routes are also planned to connect districts in North Bengal through Bangladesh, such as the Dalkhola to Haldibari route and the Radhikapur to Gitaldaha route. Additionally, routes through Nepal, like the 190-kilometre-long Biratnagar to New Mal Junction in Jalpaiguri district, are also part of the plan. A source familiar with the project stated, “This development represents a win-win outcome for India and its neighbours. It will not only enhance connectivity to the Northeast but also strengthen railway networks with neighbouring countries, boosting trade and the overall economy of the region in the long run.”
