New Delhi: The Central Government has drawn up an ambitious railway infrastructure plan worth approximately ₹45,000 crore to strengthen connectivity and strategic preparedness along India’s borders with China, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The projects are expected to be implemented over the next 18 to 24 months, with a focus on enhancing both civilian transportation and military logistics.
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to reinforce defence infrastructure in border regions. Major works will be undertaken in Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam and the Northeastern states, where railway connectivity is considered critical for both national security and regional development.
According to the plan, nearly 22 per cent of the total railway infrastructure investment earmarked over the next two years will be directed towards border areas. Railway lines, stations and freight facilities will be developed in a manner that allows them to serve civilian passengers and cargo during normal operations while being rapidly adapted for military use whenever required.
The enhanced railway network is expected to significantly improve the movement of troops, military equipment and essential supplies to strategically important locations, including the Himalayan frontier and the Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as India’s “Chicken’s Neck.” The projects are also expected to strengthen supply chains and provide better transportation facilities to remote border villages, supporting economic growth and regional connectivity.
The infrastructure push comes as China continues to expand roads, airports and heliports along the Line of Actual Control despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve border issues. On the western front, the government aims to improve logistics and operational readiness amid continuing security challenges along the Pakistan border. Additional emphasis has also been placed on the Bangladesh border following political developments in the neighbouring country since 2024.
Greater Focus on the Northeast
Over the past decade, India has constructed nearly 1,700 kilometres of new railway lines across the Northeastern region. In addition, around 1,450 kilometres of roads have been developed along the Pakistan border to improve strategic mobility.
The recent commissioning of the world’s highest railway bridge, linking the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India, is regarded as one of the country’s landmark achievements in border infrastructure. The government has also revived several Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) in the Northeast that had remained largely inactive since the 1962 conflict, further strengthening defence preparedness.
Key Railway Projects Enhancing Border Connectivity
- Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL): Provides seamless rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India.
- Misamari–Tenga–Tawang Railway Project (Arunachal Pradesh): A strategically important line planned to improve connectivity towards the China border.
- Sevoke–Rangpo Railway Line: The first railway connection to Sikkim, with future extension planned towards Gangtok.
- Jiribam–Imphal Railway Project: Connects Manipur to the national railway network.
- Bhairabi–Sairang Railway Line: Extends rail services close to Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram.
- Agartala–Akhaura Rail Link: Strengthens connectivity between Tripura and Bangladesh.
- Siliguri Corridor Capacity Expansion: Enhances rail movement through India’s strategic gateway to the Northeast.
- Border Railway Upgrades in Punjab and Rajasthan: Includes line doubling, electrification and expansion of freight terminals to improve operational efficiency.
