New Delhi | The central government has announced the construction of seven new high speed rail corridors under the current budget, and the Siliguri high speed rail corridor will be inaugurated by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Bhagat. Among these projects, the Varanasi–Siliguri high speed rail corridor is considered particularly important and will pass through West Bengal.
From a strategic and commercial perspective, the Siliguri corridor holds major significance. The corridor, stretching nearly 40 kilometres, is commonly known as the Siliguri Corridor and lies close to the Bangladesh border. It is regarded as a vital link connecting eastern India with the rest of the country.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, Railway Minister Ashwini Bhagat stated that work is underway to lay rail tracks in the hilly terrain of Siliguri. The project aims to improve connectivity in a region that is critical for national security as well as economic development.
In the Union Budget, the Railways have received an allocation of approximately ₹2.93 lakh crore, which is the highest budgetary support ever provided to the sector. The minister explained that the allocated funds will be used for laying new tracks, expanding existing tracks to four lanes, and strengthening railway infrastructure.
The Siliguri rail line will run between Tindharia Halt and Rangapani railway stations in West Bengal. According to the minister, the project is expected to significantly enhance passenger movement, freight transport, and overall connectivity in the region.
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