# India stops railway link plans to Seven Sisters via Bangladesh

> India has suspended ₹5,000 crore railway projects in Bangladesh, citing worker safety and political instability, according to The Hindu. Three projects and five surveys are halted. This affects plans to connect India's…

Published: 2026-09-17 · Desk: Latest · Source: Jamuna Television

India has halted funding and construction work on several railway connectivity projects in Bangladesh, which involve an investment of nearly ₹5,000 crore, due to growing concerns over the safety of Indian workers and the prevailing political instability in Bangladesh. This development was reported by Indian news outlet The Hindu on Sunday (April 20). As a result of this decision, three infrastructure projects currently under construction have been put on hold, along with survey work at five other proposed locations.

According to multiple sources, the suspension of these projects significantly disrupts India’s broader strategic objective of enhancing connectivity between its landlocked northeastern states—collectively referred to as the "Seven Sisters"—and the Indian mainland via Bangladesh’s rail network. These cross-border rail links were considered a crucial part of India's regional connectivity plan, aimed at creating a more efficient transport route and reducing pressure on the overburdened Siliguri Corridor, commonly known as the "Chicken's Neck." This narrow strip of land is currently the only terrestrial connection between mainland India and its northeastern region.

In light of the suspension, New Delhi has decided to redirect the allocated funds toward upgrading domestic railway infrastructure in northern India. Furthermore, India is now exploring alternative routes through neighboring countries Nepal and Bhutan to maintain its connectivity with the northeast, effectively bypassing Bangladesh. A new connectivity plan valued between ₹3,500 crore and ₹4,000 crore is reportedly being considered, focusing on creating fresh transport corridors through these alternative routes.

An unnamed official cited by The Hindu explained, “At this moment, we are not sending any construction materials or other equipment to Bangladesh. Funding for the cross-border connectivity route is on hold. For the projects to resume, political stability in Bangladesh is essential. However, the construction work on the Indian side of the projects is ongoing as per the original plan.”

Original reporting: https://jamuna.tv/news/607051?fbclid=IwY2xjawJyk59leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHiIUCxGrwUA3pX6MilknJH8nvySXyjqORJvxvzvAsqCp3_zJ6uii0Ms8flnU_aem_Wq51kmN-FgouTaHrs5NFHA
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