Our Bureau
Kolkata
In a major push to strengthen strategic infrastructure along India’s sensitive northern frontier, the Centre has approved the construction of a 17-km railway line in West Bengal near the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction. Estimated to cost around ₹272 crore, the project is aimed at enhancing connectivity to the Doklam region while improving civilian access and facilitating faster movement of defence personnel and equipment in the border area.
The proposed rail line will extend from Khunia More to the border region near the tri-junction, an area that gained global attention during the 2017 India-China military standoff at Doklam. The project is expected to significantly improve logistics in a strategically important corridor where infrastructure development has become a national priority.
Apart from its defence significance, the railway line is expected to provide better connectivity for residents of remote areas in North Bengal, improving access to transport, markets, healthcare and other essential services. It is also likely to support economic activity and tourism in the region by integrating previously inaccessible locations with the broader railway network.
The initiative comes amid India’s sustained efforts to strengthen border infrastructure through new roads, tunnels and railway projects in the Himalayan region. Improved connectivity is increasingly viewed as essential for both national security and regional development, particularly in areas bordering China.
Officials believe the new rail corridor will not only enhance military preparedness but also promote balanced development in the border districts. Once completed, the project is expected to serve as a vital transport link, reinforcing India’s long-term strategy of building resilient infrastructure in strategically significant regions while boosting socio-economic growth for local communities.