Bullet Train from Siliguri puts ‘Chicken’s Neck’ connectivity on centre stage

Following railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s announcement of a proposed Bullet Train service originating from Siliguri, public excitement has been palpable across north Bengal, particularly in the run-up to the forthcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.

Addressing the development, Vaishnaw stated: “Congratulations to West Bengal, because Siliguri will be getting the first Bullet Train, which will run from Siliguri to Varanasi via Patna.” The announcement has been widely welcomed, with many residents expressing gratitude for what they see as a renewed focus on railway infrastructure in the state.

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In the Union Budget for the financial year 2026-27, the Centre has allocated Rs 14,205 crore for railway projects in West Bengal ~ a significant increase that many view as a major step towards transforming rail connectivity in the region. However, a section of the public has also voiced concerns, citing the alleged slow progress of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project.

Despite criticism from anti-BJP political groups, enthusiasm among the general public remains strong, particularly in north Bengal, where improved connectivity is seen as a potential economic game changer.

According to the railway minister, the Siliguri-Varanasi Bullet Train corridor will eventually be extended to Delhi, with future plans to connect Guwahati and other parts of the northeast. He also highlighted proposed new rail links from Banarhat in the Dooars to Samtse, Kokrajhar in Assam, and Gelephu in Bhutan. Special emphasis has been placed on the introduction of AI-based intrusion detection systems and cameras to protect elephants and conserve wildlife in North Bengal and the northeast.

Vaishnaw further informed that a total of Rs 11,486 crore has been allocated for Assam and the northeast, while ongoing railway projects in the region amount to Rs 72,468 crore. Surveys for additional new projects are currently underway.

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the people of northern north Bengal, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for prioritising railway development in the state.

“The game-changing Siliguri-Varanasi Bullet Train via Patna is set to supercharge North Bengal’s economy. This line will further connect to Delhi and, in the future, to Guwahati and the northeast,” Bista said.

He also pointed out that the proposed 40-km underground rail corridor through the Siliguri Corridor would strengthen India’s strategic ‘Chicken’s Neck’ link to the northeast. “Upgrading this stretch to four-line tracks will significantly boost rail connectivity in this strategically critical region,” he added.

Bista further noted that these initiatives would enhance cross-border connectivity and transportation between India and neighbouring countries.

Concluding his remarks, Bista said: “Thanks to Prime Minister Modi’s visionary leadership, the Darjeeling hills, Siliguri, the Terai, Dooars and the entire north Bengal region are now at the forefront of the central government’s developmental priorities.”