Indian Railways recently sanctioned the Final Location Survey (FLS) for 14 new railway routes connecting India with its neighboring countries, Bangladesh and Nepal, as well as alternative routes towards Northeast India. This ambitious project covers a total length of 1,275.50 km.
The survey includes 861 km of new railway lines connecting Bangladesh and 202.5 km connecting Nepal. Additionally, 212 km of alternative routes towards Northeast India have been sanctioned. These new routes aim to bolster connectivity, trade and tourism under India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.
Among the proposed routes for Bangladesh, the Balurghat – Hili – Parbatipur – Kaunia – Lalmanirhat – Mogalhat – Gitaldaha section stands out. This 32 km stretch includes 14 km of new railway line and 18 km of gauge conversion.
Sabyasachi De, Chief Public Relations Officer of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), highlighted the importance of the new alternate routes towards Northeast India. The Forbesganj – Lakshamipur section will span 17.60 km, the Thakurganj – Chattarhat section will cover 24.40 km, and the Kumedpur – Ambari Falakata route will require the construction of a 170 km new railway line.
For connectivity with Nepal, the FLS includes the Biratnagar – New Mal Jn section, which will involve constructing a 190 km new railway line. Additionally, the Galgalia – Bhadrapur – Kajali Bazar section will see the construction of a 12.5 km new railway line.
These proposed railway lines will significantly enhance connectivity through the strategic chicken-neck region, fostering better communication and collaboration between India and its neighboring countries. This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s commitment to developing friendly and mutually beneficial relations with all its neighbors, prioritizing rail and road connectivity, infrastructure development, and greater people-to-people contacts.
The ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy is expected to lead to a substantial increase in trade and tourism activities, further strengthening regional ties and economic growth.