West Bengal to fast-track land acquisition to take trains close to Doklam

West Bengal government has approved the fast-tracking of land acquisition for a new railway line that will connect to the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction region. The 20-km Chalsa-Naxak project, which was initially approved in 2011-12, was put on hold in September 2019 due to lack of cooperation from the previous West Bengal government.

However, after the BJP-led government took office, all stalled projects, including this one, are now being expedited. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the state recently and reviewed pending projects, leading to the approval of the fast-track acquisition of around 380 hectares of land. The new line, which will be around 17 km long, will originate from Khunia More near Chalsa and pass through Jalpaiguri and Kalimpong forest divisions.

This rail link will enhance connectivity to the tri-junction and boost tourism in the Jhaldhaka-Bindu-Todey Tangta area. A joint survey between the railways and the Bengal forest department will be carried out post-monsoon to finalize the route.