New 17-km Rail Link to Boost Connectivity Near India-China-Bhutan Tri-Junction
The Ministry of Railways has sanctioned approximately Rs 272 crore for a new 17-kilometre railway line between Khunia More and Jaldhaka in North Bengal. The project aims to improve connectivity to the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction area and promote tourism in the Dooars region.
According to a social media post by Siliguri MP Raju Bista, the route will originate from Khunia More near Chalsa and pass through the Jalpaiguri and Kalimpong forest divisions. The project was announced with the stated objective of enhancing access to the border region and supporting local tourism.
The Jaldhaka River, flowing through Sikkim and West Bengal in India, as well as Bhutan and Bangladesh, is a trans-boundary river that originates from the Kupup (Bitang) Lake near the Jelep La pass. The lake is situated close to the Doklam tri-junction border between India, Bhutan, and China, lending strategic significance to the planned railway line.
Bista noted that the rail link will improve connectivity to the tri-junction and boost tourism in the Jhaldhaka-Bindu-Todey Tangta area. He added that the railways and the West Bengal forest department will conduct a joint survey after the monsoon. In a separate post, he expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav for prioritising the region's infrastructure development.
The announcement is part of broader efforts to consolidate infrastructure in sensitive border areas. Indian Railways has also proposed a strategic 200-kilometre line from Chalsa in Jalpaiguri towards the border, which could further strengthen connectivity in the region.
The area gained international attention during the 2017 Doklam standoff, a 73-day military face-off between Indian and Chinese troops near the tri-junction. Indian forces intervened to stop Chinese road construction in territory claimed by Bhutan. India supports Bhutan's claims over Doklam under bilateral agreements. Satellite imagery and reports indicate that China has continued infrastructure consolidation in the area since then.
The Khunia More-Jaldhaka line is seen as a key project for enhancing civilian and strategic movement. Once operational, it is expected to serve multiple purposes, including improving access to remote border villages, facilitating tourism in the Dooars, and supporting logistics in the region.
Survey work for the project will begin after the monsoon season, officials said. The railway line is among several infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving connectivity to India's northeastern and northern border regions.
The project also aligns with existing plans to extend the Sivok-Rangpo railway project to the Nathu La Pass. If completed, these lines would provide alternate routes to the border areas, reducing reliance on road transport and strengthening India's logistical capabilities.
Local residents and tourism stakeholders have welcomed the announcement, expecting better road and rail access to the scenic Dooars region. The forest divisions through which the line will pass are home to diverse wildlife, and authorities have indicated that environmental impact assessments will be part of the survey process.
