- Survey begins for 24.40 km Thakurganj-Chatarhat rail line.
- Strengthens Chicken Neck connectivity, vital for national security.
- Fourth rail corridor to boost Northeast India access.
Jagran Correspondent, Thakurganj (Kishanganj: Indian Railways has taken a significant step to strengthen rail infrastructure in the strategically important Chicken Neck (Siliguri Corridor) region. After approval from the Railway Board, work has started on the Final Location Survey (FLS) and soil investigation for a proposed 24.40 km new broad-gauge railway line between Thakurganj and Chatarhat (Rangapani-Dhumdangi).
Once the survey is completed, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared. Based on this, the process of land acquisition, administrative approvals, and construction work will move forward. According to railway officials, this project will strengthen the regional rail network and is also considered important for national security and better connectivity to the northeastern states.
Special emphasis on soil and geological tests
Soil samples are being collected by drilling boreholes at various sections of the proposed railway route. These tests will assess the soil's load-bearing capacity, geological structure, and groundwater level, as well as the suitability of the terrain for the construction of railway tracks, bridges, and other structures.
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Additionally, a detailed technical study is being conducted on river crossings for proposed bridges, station yard possibilities, drainage systems, land requirements, and traffic density. This is to ensure that the final design of the project is scientifically planned and safe.
New rail line from Thakurganj to New Jalpaiguri
With this new railway line, a fourth rail corridor will be developed in the Chicken Neck area. At present, there are three main rail routes in this region:
Katihar-Kishanganj-Aluabari Road-Chatarhat-New Jalpaiguri
Katihar-Kishanganj-Aluabari Road-Thakurganj-Siliguri
Katihar-Araria-Thakurganj-Galgalia-Siliguri
The proposed line will directly connect Thakurganj to the New Jalpaiguri main rail route. This will increase rail capacity, provide an alternative route for trains, and reduce pressure on existing lines.
New railway bridge over Chenga River
According to the initial alignment, the new railway line will start from the northern side of Thakurganj station and cross National Highway-327E between Sialdanga and Dharmakanta Chowk. It will pass through several areas including Borobangla, Chaitanguri, Yogitola, Dhapodangi, Dumridangi, Dohadangi, and Patilabhasa.
A new railway bridge is planned over the Chenga River near Patilabhasa Ghat. From there, the line will enter West Bengal and connect with the main railway network near Chatarhat. However, the final route will be decided after technical surveys and expert reports.
Important for national security
The Chicken Neck (Siliguri Corridor) is a very important land link connecting India’s northeastern states with the rest of the country. It is a narrow 22 km corridor located near the borders of Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and China (Tibet). Experts believe that building an additional railway corridor in this sensitive region will strengthen national security, military logistics, supply chains, disaster management, freight transport, and connectivity for Northeast India.