India Builds Underground Train Line for Safety in Siliguri Corridor

A new underground train line is being built in the Siliguri Corridor. This area is very important for connecting India's northeast states. The underground line will help make travel safer and more reliable.
By Newsroom | Infrastructure, National Security |

The Siliguri Corridor, a vital but narrow land link connecting mainland India to its northeastern states, is becoming the focus of a significant infrastructure project. Indian Railways is undertaking the construction of an underground railway line aimed at bolstering connectivity and national security in this strategically sensitive region, often referred to as India's "Chicken's Neck."

The project involves building approximately 35.76 kilometers of underground rail tracks between Dumdangi and Bagdogra. This development aims to create a more secure and resilient transportation route, addressing vulnerabilities associated with the region. The narrow width of the Siliguri Corridor, approximately 22 kilometers, underscores its critical importance and inherent strategic sensitivity.

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Background and Strategic Importance

The Siliguri Corridor is a slender strip of land that serves as the sole land connection between India's mainland and its eight northeastern states. It is bordered by Nepal and Bhutan to the north, Bangladesh to the south, and the Siliguri city area of West Bengal. Its geographical configuration makes it a crucial artery for both civilian and military logistics.

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  • Connectivity: The corridor connects mainland India with Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.

  • Geopolitical Significance: It also acts as a transit point for trade and movement with neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.

  • Military Buffer: The region serves as an eastern military buffer, enabling rapid deployment of troops towards the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

Recent developments highlight a perceived increase in geopolitical tensions in the region, with reports mentioning a potential military-strategic axis involving Bangladesh, Pakistan, and China, underscoring the need for strengthened defenses and robust infrastructure.

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The Underground Rail Project Details

The new underground railway line is part of a larger vision to fortify the Siliguri Corridor. The project, managed by the Katihar Division of Northeast Frontier Railway, will run from Tinmile Hat to Rangapani and then extend to Bagdogra.

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  • Route: The planned alignment passes through areas including Darjeeling district (West Bengal), Uttar Dinajpur district (West Bengal), and Kishanganj district (Bihar).

  • Length: The total underground stretch is 35.76 km, with the Dumdangi–Rangapani section accounting for 33.40 km.

  • Depth: The tracks are planned at a depth of 20 to 24 meters below ground level. This depth is intended to make them less susceptible to surface-level threats and blast impacts, ensuring continued operation even in hostile conditions.

  • Resilience: Building tunnels deep underground is a more expensive and technically challenging undertaking than surface construction. However, this approach is expected to reduce future costs related to repairs, security upgrades, and emergency responses.

Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, has stated that the project is designed to ensure secure, reliable, and uninterrupted rail connectivity. He described the underground line as a reflection of the railways' commitment to strengthening strategic infrastructure. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has welcomed the project, terming it a strategic move to address long-standing vulnerabilities.

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Strategic Considerations and Future Implications

The decision to build an underground railway line in the Siliguri Corridor signifies a strategic shift in hardening critical transport links. This approach aims to mitigate risks associated with potential blockades, sabotage, or external aggression.

  • Enhanced Security: An underground network provides a layer of security against surface-level threats.

  • Uninterrupted Connectivity: The project is designed to ensure that rail operations can continue even under adverse circumstances, maintaining the vital link to the Northeast.

  • Economic Integration: Beyond security, improved connectivity is expected to boost the movement of goods and passengers, fostering economic integration of the Northeast with the rest of India.

The project is part of a broader infrastructure development initiative in the region, with railway projects worth significant amounts currently underway in West Bengal. While additional surface tracks are also being laid to increase capacity, the underground component represents a deliberate effort to create a resilient and secure transportation backbone.

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"The Union Minister for Railways… said that the project is designed to ensure secure, reliable and uninterrupted rail connectivity in this strategically sensitive region." - The Times of India

"The alignment is planned at a depth of around 20 to 24 metres below ground level, placing the tracks beyond easy detection and reducing vulnerability to surface-level threats or blast impact." - The New Indian Express

Expert and Political Perspectives

The project has garnered support from political leaders, who view it as a crucial step for national security and regional development.

  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah has previously reiterated India's claim over the Siliguri Corridor, emphasizing its sovereignty and inalterability.

  • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma lauded the project, stating it addresses a long-standing concern and provides a secure transport route. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister Vaishnaw for prioritizing the issue.

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The underground rail project aligns with India's broader goal of improving connectivity and economic integration, particularly with the Northeast. It is also viewed as a proactive measure in response to the evolving geopolitical landscape in the region.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Siliguri Corridor?
The Siliguri Corridor is a narrow piece of land that connects India's northeast states to the rest of the country. It is very important for travel and trade.
Q: Why is India building an underground train line?
The new underground line is being built to make travel safer and more secure in this important region. It will help ensure trains can run even if there are problems on the surface.
Q: How long will the underground line be?
The underground train line will be about 35.76 kilometers long.
Q: Where will the underground train line be built?
The line will be built between Dumdangi and Bagdogra.
Q: Why is this project important for security?
Building the line underground makes it harder to attack and helps keep the vital connection to the northeast open at all times.