India To Build New Railway Line Near India-China-Bhutan Tri-Junction; Rs 272 Cr Project To Boost Border Connectivity

India is moving ahead with a strategic railway expansion plan aimed at improving connectivity and strengthening infrastructure near the sensitive India-China-Bhutan tri-junction.

The government had approved a railway line of 17km to Jaldhaka in North Bengal at an expenditure of Rs 272 crore. The approved line will start from Khunia More located near Chalsa and stretch towards the border region to form a junction.

Sharing details of the project, Siliguri MP Raju Bista said the Railway Ministry has approved around Rs 272 crore for the new railway line. In a social media post, he wrote, “Happy to inform that the Railway Ministry has approved approximately Rs 272 crore for a new 17-km line to Jaldhaka. The route will start from Khunia More near Chalsa and pass through the Jalpaiguri and Kalimpong Forest Divisions.”

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Strategic Importance Of Jaldhaka Railway Project

The railway line will connect the Jaldhaka region, on the border of the river originating from a place close to the Doklam tri-junction of India, Bhutan and China.

According to officials, the project is supposed to serve a number of functions such as creating access to the remote areas in the border, bringing tourist inflow to the Dooars region, and improving strategic reachability in the entire Dooars area.

Surveys for the railway project are expected to begin after the monsoon season.

Part Of Larger Border Connectivity Push

The project is part of India’s broader plan to strengthen railway infrastructure in strategically important areas. Indian Railways has proposed a larger 200-km railway connectivity plan from Chalsa towards the border region.

The move comes amid increased focus on infrastructure development near the India-China border, where China has also expanded its connectivity network over the years.

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Doklam Clash Link

The region gained global attention during the 2017 Doklam standoff, when Indian and Chinese troops were involved in a 73-day military face-off near the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction.

The dispute began after China attempted road construction in an area claimed by Bhutan. India intervened in support of Bhutan’s position under existing bilateral agreements.

With plans to extend the Sivok-Rangpo railway project towards Nathu La Pass, the Jaldhaka line would become another important rail link connecting strategically significant areas near the China border.