Siliguri: India has approved a new railway project in North Bengal that is expected to strengthen connectivity to strategically important border areas while giving a major boost to tourism in the Dooars region. The Ministry of Railways has sanctioned a 17-kilometre railway line from Khunia More to Jaldhaka at an estimated cost of Rs 272 crore.
The proposed rail corridor will originate from Khunia More near Chalsa and extend to Jaldhaka, passing through forest areas under the Jalpaiguri and Kalimpong divisions. The project is expected to improve transportation links to remote locations close to the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction, an area of considerable strategic importance.
Sharing the development on social media, Siliguri MP Raju Bista said the newly sanctioned railway line reflects the Centre’s continued focus on expanding modern infrastructure in North Bengal. He added that the route would also improve access to tourist destinations such as Jhaldhaka, Bindu and Todey Tangta, which are known for their scenic landscapes and proximity to the Himalayan foothills.
Railway authorities and the West Bengal Forest Department are expected to begin a joint survey for the proposed alignment after the monsoon season. The survey will evaluate the route and environmental considerations before construction work begins.
Besides strengthening transportation, the project is expected to support economic activity in the region by improving access to remote border areas and encouraging tourism in the Dooars, a destination known for its forests, wildlife reserves and tea gardens.
The Jaldhaka River, which lends its name to the project, originates from Kupup (Bitang) Lake near the Jelep La Pass in Sikkim. Flowing through Sikkim, West Bengal, Bhutan and Bangladesh before joining the Brahmaputra, the river forms an important transboundary watercourse in the eastern Himalayan region.
The railway line is also viewed as part of India’s broader effort to reinforce infrastructure along its northern frontier. Officials have earlier proposed a longer rail corridor extending from Chalsa towards the border, aimed at enhancing connectivity, supporting logistics and improving access to strategically significant locations.
The area surrounding the proposed railway project gained international attention during the 73-day Doklam military standoff between India and China in 2017. The confrontation took place near the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction after Chinese troops attempted to extend a road into territory claimed by Bhutan. Since then, the region has remained strategically sensitive, with both sides continuing to strengthen infrastructure in nearby areas.
The Khunia More-Jaldhaka railway project also complements other ongoing railway developments in the eastern Himalayas, including plans to eventually extend the Sivok-Rangpo railway line towards Nathu La Pass. Together, these initiatives are expected to improve connectivity, enhance border infrastructure and contribute to the long-term development of eastern India’s frontier regions.
