Why Is India Building an Underground Railway in the Chicken’s Neck? Big Strategic Move Explained

India has announced a major underground railway project in the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the Chicken’s Neck. The new 35.76 km underground railway line will connect Tinmile Hat, Rangapani and Bagdogra to ensure safe and uninterrupted connectivity to the North-eastern States. This strategic railway project aims to boost defence logistics, improve disaster resilience and strengthen infrastructure in a highly sensitive border region. The project will use advanced tunnel technology and modern railway systems for secure movement.

Siliguri Corridor Underground Railway: Why This Project Is Important

• The Siliguri Corridor underground railway project is being developed to secure India’s narrow land link to the Northeast.
• The Siliguri Corridor, commonly called the Chicken’s Neck, is just about 22 km wide and connects mainland India with the North-eastern States.
• Due to its proximity to Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, the region is strategically sensitive.
• Any disruption here can affect transport, defence movement and economic supply chains. The underground railway route will provide a protected and non-visible alignment.
• This will reduce vulnerability to natural disasters, congestion and security threats while ensuring uninterrupted rail connectivity for passengers and defence forces.

Route and Length of Siliguri Corridor Underground Railway

• The Siliguri Corridor underground railway will fall under the Katihar Division of Northeast Frontier Railway.
• The route will begin from Tinmile Hat, move towards Rangapani and extend to Bagdogra.
• The total underground alignment will measure 35.76 km, with the Dumdangi-Rangapani section covering 33.40 km.
• The line will pass through Darjeeling and Uttar Dinajpur districts of West Bengal and Kishanganj district of Bihar.
• The underground design ensures resilience and security. The project has been planned mainly as a tunnel-based route to maintain safe rail operations even during emergencies.

Strategic Importance of Siliguri Corridor Underground Railway

• The Siliguri Corridor underground railway is highly important for national security.
• The corridor is close to Bagdogra Air Force Station and Bengdubi Army Cantonment.
• In emergency situations, this underground route will allow smooth movement of defence personnel, military equipment and relief materials.
• The underground alignment will help prevent disruptions caused by floods, landslides or external threats.
• This railway project strengthens integration between rail and air logistics in the region.
• It also supports long-term infrastructure security planning for the Northeast, which depends heavily on the Siliguri Corridor for transport and connectivity.

Modern Technology Used in Siliguri Corridor Underground Railway

• The Siliguri Corridor underground railway will be built using advanced engineering technology.
• The project will include 2×25 kV AC electrification system and Standard-IV Automatic Signalling. Communication systems will use VOIP-based optical fibre cables.
• Bridges will follow RDSO 25-ton axle load standards. Twin tunnels will be constructed using the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) method, while NATM tunnels will be used for crossovers.
• These modern systems will ensure safety, high load capacity and smooth train operations. The underground railway line will be designed to handle strategic and commercial traffic efficiently.

Budget Allocation and Infrastructure Push

• The project is part of a broader infrastructure push in West Bengal and the Northeast.
• The railway budget allocation for West Bengal this year stands at ₹14,205 crore.
• Railway projects worth nearly ₹92,000 crore are currently underway in the state.
• The underground railway through the Siliguri Corridor reflects the government’s focus on strategic infrastructure development.
• The project also complements plans to improve high-speed rail connectivity from Siliguri.
• This infrastructure investment aims to boost economic growth, defence readiness and long-term connectivity stability in the region.

About Siliguri Corridor Underground Railway

• The Siliguri Corridor is India’s only land connection to the North-eastern States. It is around 22 km wide.
• It is strategically sensitive due to proximity to Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
• The underground railway line will be 35.76 km long. It falls under Northeast Frontier Railway. Advanced tunnel boring and electrification systems will be used.
• The project supports defence logistics and disaster resilience. It strengthens integration between rail and air infrastructure near Bagdogra.
• It is a major strategic infrastructure development initiative.

Question

Q. The Siliguri Corridor is popularly known as,

A. Golden Triangle
B. Chicken’s Neck
C. Eastern Gate
D. Himalayan Link