India has suspended work on at least three major railway connectivity projects with Bangladesh, along with five other proposed ventures, citing political instability and labour safety concerns within Bangladesh, according to reports by Indian media outlets such as The Hindu and Business Line.
These projects were part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening connectivity between India’s mainland and its seven northeastern states via Bangladesh. However, with the ongoing unrest and security uncertainties, Indian authorities are now looking at alternate transit options through neighbouring countries like Nepal and Bhutan, as well as expanding infrastructure within India’s own territory—particularly through the narrow and strategically sensitive Siliguri Corridor, also known as the “Chicken’s Neck.”
Sources said nearly ₹5,000 crore worth of investment earmarked for the Bangladesh route has been halted. In its place, a new plan worth ₹3,500–₹4,000 crore is under consideration to develop transit links through Nepal and Bhutan.
The three projects currently put on hold include: Akhaura–Agartala Cross-Border Rail Link , Khulna–Mongla Port Rail Line, Dhaka–Tongi–Joydebpur rail expansion
Additionally, location surveys for five other rail routes have been suspended.
Meanwhile, Indian railway authorities are intensifying efforts to double or quadruple existing lines in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, key regions feeding into the Siliguri Corridor. “Survey work is already underway,” a senior railway official confirmed.
India is also actively exploring possibilities to establish rail corridors via Nepal and Bhutan, banking on existing agreements such as the India–Nepal rail pact and Bhutan’s geographical closeness to India’s northeast. Though more complex from a logistical standpoint, these alternatives could reduce India’s overdependence on Bangladesh for regional rail connectivity.
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