Indian Railways plans major infrastructure push for Siliguri Corridor
Major infrastructure initiatives are underway to secure and modernize the Siliguri Corridor, a vital transit point known as the Chicken's Neck, as of September 4, 2026. This comprehensive development plan involves massive investments in road, rail, and power infrastructure to ensure seamless connectivity to Northeast India and enhance overall network capacity for passengers and freight alike. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has announced a ₹2,077.18 crore investment for the four-laning of the 31.02-kilometre section of NH-327, spanning Bagdogra, Panitanki, Kharibari, and Galgalia in the Darjeeling district.
Rail Network Expansion and Underground Corridor
To ensure disruption-proof connectivity to Northeast India, authorities are planning a 40-kilometre underground rail corridor. This ambitious project includes laying new underground railway tracks and expanding existing surface infrastructure to four lines, aimed at increasing capacity for both freight and passenger movement. Additionally, a high-speed rail link between Siliguri and Varanasi is currently under active consideration to boost regional transit speeds.
Power Grid Upgrades and Modern Traction System
Regarding electrical infrastructure, Indian Railways continues to prioritize uninterrupted power supply for its electrified network. The system draws electricity directly from grids backed by power plants, featuring automatic switching protocols to restore supply immediately in the event of local technical failures. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has confirmed the transition to a modern 2x25 kV electrification system, which supports currents up to 1400 amperes, representing a significant improvement over the traditional 25 kV AC system. As of January 7, 2026, approximately 7,000 kilometres of track have been upgraded to this standard, with the Railway Board mandating that all future electrification projects adopt this high-efficiency traction system to enable faster and safer train operations across the country.