Indian Railways has started the Final Location Survey for a new 24.40 km broad-gauge railway line in the Siliguri Corridor, commonly known as the Chicken Neck. This project received approval from the Railway Board to create a fourth rail corridor in this sensitive region. The new line will connect Thakurganj in Bihar to Chatarhat in West Bengal.
What is the purpose of the new rail line
The project will improve rail connectivity and help in moving goods and passengers more easily to the Northeast states. It will provide an alternative route for trains, which will reduce the heavy pressure on existing tracks. This development is also important for national security and military logistics given the region’s location near international borders.
What are the project details and next steps
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 24.40 KM |
| Route | Thakurganj (Bihar) to Chatarhat (West Bengal) |
| Gauge Type | Broad-gauge |
| Current Stage | Final Location Survey (FLS) and soil investigation |
| Executing Entities | Indian Railways, Railway Board, and Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) |
The current process involves a detailed survey and soil testing. Once this is finished, the authorities will prepare a Detailed Project Report. After that, the government will start land acquisition and get administrative approvals before the actual construction begins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where will the new rail line be constructed?
The new 24.40 km broad-gauge line will be built between Thakurganj in Bihar and Chatarhat in West Bengal in the Siliguri Corridor area.
Why is this project important for the Northeast?
It creates a fourth rail corridor in the Chicken Neck region, which improves supply chains, helps in disaster management, and strengthens national security.