The Ministry of Railways has given the green light to a major project to lay a second railway line on the Thakurganj-Siliguri section. This 56.41 km long project under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) aims to improve connectivity and reduce congestion. The official approval was issued on June 9, 2026, to enhance the overall network capacity of the region.
What is the budget and cost breakdown of the project?
The central government has allocated a total of 916.18 crore rupees for this doubling project. The funds are divided into specific categories to ensure systematic development of the track and power infrastructure.
| Expense Head | Amount (in Crores) |
|---|---|
| Civil Works | 671.55 |
| Other Miscellaneous Items | 149.69 |
| Electricity, TRD and Generator works | 94.94 |
How will this second line benefit passengers and trade?
Railway officials stated that the additional line will increase the network capacity and make train operations smoother. It will reduce operational bottlenecks, allowing both passenger and goods trains to move faster and more safely. Experts believe this is strategically important for strengthening rail links to the Northeast states.
Who are the key authorities involved in the execution?
The project is being handled by the Ministry of Railways and the Railway Board. Deepak Singh, Director (Gati Shakti) of the Railway Board, issued the approval letter to the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) headquarters in Maligaon. The project is approved under the Umbrella Work 2025-26 and construction will start once formalities are completed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
ठाकुरगंज-सिलीगुड़ी रेलखंड की लंबाई कितनी है?
इस रेलखंड की कुल लंबाई 56.41 किलोमीटर है, जिस पर अब दूसरी लाइन बिछाई जाएगी।
इस प्रोजेक्ट पर कुल कितना खर्च होगा?
केंद्र सरकार ने इस परियोजना के लिए कुल 916.18 करोड़ रुपये की राशि स्वीकृत की है।