West Bengal government has approved land acquisition for a new railway line. This project aims to improve connectivity to the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction area. The new rail link will boost tourism in the Jhaldhaka-Bindu-Todey Tangta region. Railways and the forest department will conduct a joint survey after the monsoon. This strategically important project was previously stalled due to state government non-cooperation. NEW DELHI: Paving the way for expediting a new railway line to boost connectivity to the border area near the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction, West Bengal govt has given its go ahead for fast-tracking acquisition of around 380 hectares of land. With this, work on the 20-km Chalsa-Naxak new line project that was originally sanctioned in 2011-12 is likely to get speeded up.TOI has learnt that the new section, a vital component of the New Jalpaiguri-Siliguri-New Bongaigaon gauge conversion project was placed in abeyance in Sept 2019 due to non-cooperation from the earlier Trinamool govt in the state. Official records show that railways “de-freezed” (revived) the project in Jan along with five others after a six year hiatus but again failed to make any progress with the lack of support from the state govt’s side.They added that soon after BJP formed govt all projects pending for years are being expedited. “Soon after Suvendu Adhikari took charge, railway minister Ashwini Vashnaw visited the state where all pending projects were reviewed and state govt has given the go ahead, including for this strategically important project,” Siliguri MP Raju Bista told TOI.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesEarlier in the day, in a social media post, Bista said, “Happy to share that the ministry of railways has sanctioned around Rs 272 crore for a new 17-km line to Jaldhaka. The route originates from Khunia More near Chalsa, and passes through Jalpaiguri and Kalimpong forest divisions.” He added that the rail link will improve connectivity to the India-China-Bhuta trijunction and boost tourism in the Jhaldhaka-Bindu-Todey Tangta area.Bista said, “The railways and Bengal forest department will carry out a joint survey after the monsoon for the proposed new line.” It will connect Jaldhaka region, on the border of the river originating from a place close to Doklam tri-junction of India, Bhutan, China.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSecurity On High Alert: Pak Drone Sighted In Jammu On Eve Of Article 370 Abrogation AnniversaryNot A Single Woman In Karnataka Cabinet? Congress Faces Tough QuestionsExplained: Why Jharkhand Students Are Distancing Their JPSC Protest From The Jantar Mantar AgitationGovernment Proposes V2V Technology To Enable Real-Time Vehicle Communication For Better Road Safety’Cannot Tear Open My Chest’: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s First Reaction To JPSC Student Protest’Thought We Would Die’: Air India Phuket-Delhi Flight Hit By Violent Turbulence, Several InjuredNHAI Forced Into U-Turn After Posting Wrong Pic Of Rajasthan’s NH-25; Project Director SuspendedUdhayanidhi Stalin Released Hours After Arrest Over ‘Double Meaning’ RemarkSC Extends Section 498A Protection To Women In Marriage-Like Live-In RelationshipsWhatsApp Puts Multiple Accounts Under Review, Users Locked Out As Company Admits Mistakes Can Happen123PhotostoriesThe first date was amazing. So why wasn’t there a second? 9 reasons it happens more often than you think12 dhaba-style potato dishes that are perfect for lunch and dinnerWant siblings who stay close for life? These everyday parenting habits can make all the difference10 baby boy names inspired by kings and royaltyTamannaah Bhatia turns heads with 3 dramatically different looksBleeding gums may be warning you about more than your teeth: Doctor explains the link to heart disease, stroke and diabetesOptical illusion brain teaser: You might be a record breaker if you spot the ‘blue-eyed fox’ among the browns in this jungleThe way you react today becomes your child’s inner voice tomorrow: 7 everyday moments that shape your child’s future more than any parenting advice ever could13 iconic ice creams from around the world every dessert lover should tryHow to talk to toddlers to nurture intelligence: Science-backed tips123Hot PicksCJP nationwide tourGold Rate TodayMJPRU resultBSE SensexRBI FD ruleManmohan Singh LiberhanKarnataka cabinet expansionUdhayanidhi StalinD Y PatilTop TrendingFaridabad MurderUdhayanidhi StalinPanchkula Army Captain Wife DeathPappu Yadav Slipper AttackPM ModiKarnataka Cabinet ExpansionTrisha KrishnanD Y Patil DeathBypoll Election Result 2026Shradha Singh
NEW DELHI: Paving the way for expediting a new railway line to boost connectivity to the border area near the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction, West Bengal govt has given its go ahead for fast-tracking acquisition of around 380 hectares of land. With this, work on the 20-km Chalsa-Naxak new line project that was originally sanctioned in 2011-12 is likely to get speeded up.TOI has learnt that the new section, a vital component of the New Jalpaiguri-Siliguri-New Bongaigaon gauge conversion project was placed in abeyance in Sept 2019 due to non-cooperation from the earlier Trinamool govt in the state. Official records show that railways “de-freezed” (revived) the project in Jan along with five others after a six year hiatus but again failed to make any progress with the lack of support from the state govt’s side.They added that soon after BJP formed govt all projects pending for years are being expedited. “Soon after Suvendu Adhikari took charge, railway minister Ashwini Vashnaw visited the state where all pending projects were reviewed and state govt has given the go ahead, including for this strategically important project,” Siliguri MP Raju Bista told TOI.
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Earlier in the day, in a social media post, Bista said, “Happy to share that the ministry of railways has sanctioned around Rs 272 crore for a new 17-km line to Jaldhaka. The route originates from Khunia More near Chalsa, and passes through Jalpaiguri and Kalimpong forest divisions.” He added that the rail link will improve connectivity to the India-China-Bhuta trijunction and boost tourism in the Jhaldhaka-Bindu-Todey Tangta area.Bista said, “The railways and Bengal forest department will carry out a joint survey after the monsoon for the proposed new line.” It will connect Jaldhaka region, on the border of the river originating from a place close to Doklam tri-junction of India, Bhutan, China.
