Strategic Siliguri Corridor Gets ₹916 Crore Rail Upgrade to Strengthen Northeast Connectivity

India’s strategic Siliguri Corridor is set for a major rail infrastructure upgrade as the Ministry of Railways has approved a ₹916.18 crore project to double the 56-km Thakurganj–Siliguri rail line. The move is expected to significantly strengthen connectivity through one of the country’s most critical transport routes linking mainland India to the Northeast.

The project will enhance the strategic Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as India’s “Chicken’s Neck,” a narrow but vital stretch that serves as the primary gateway to the Northeastern states. The new rail doubling project will connect with the ongoing doubling works between Aluabari Road and Thakurganj, creating an alternative high-capacity rail corridor through Naxalbari and Bagdogra.

Rail officials believe the development will help reduce congestion on the heavily saturated Aluabari Road–New Jalpaiguri section, which currently handles a substantial volume of passenger and freight traffic. By increasing line capacity, the project is expected to improve operational efficiency, allow smoother train movement, and support additional passenger services in the future.

The upgraded corridor is also likely to play a crucial role in improving freight logistics, ensuring faster movement of goods between Bengal and the Northeastern region. As trade, travel and industrial activity continue to grow, strengthening rail connectivity remains essential for regional economic development.

The investment forms part of a broader push to modernize railway infrastructure and improve network resilience across eastern and northeastern India. With rising rail traffic demand in recent years, the Thakurganj–Siliguri doubling project is expected to bolster logistics efficiency while reinforcing North Bengal’s strategic importance in India’s transport network.