Raiganj, Aug. 4 -- The North Dinajpur district administration has initiated the land acquisition process for the long-awaited Kaliyaganj -Buniadpur railway link, reviving a project that had remained stalled for more than a decade. Officials on Monday published a list of landowners whose properties fall within the proposed railway alignment and asked them to submit all relevant land documents to the district administration by August 25.

The proposed 33.13-km railway line will connect Kaliyaganj in North Dinajpur with Buniadpur in South Dinajpur, significantly improving rail connectivity between the two districts. Of the total stretch, around 11 km passes through North Dinajpur, covering 12 moujas under Dhankoil and Bochadanga Gram Panchayats, besides parts of the Kaliyaganj Municipality.

The project was approved nearly 16 years ago and the land acquisition process had initially begun in 2013. However, it came to a standstill following disputes and procedural difficulties related to land acquisition. Kaushik Malakar, a landowner, said: "We support the development of our region.

Earlier, the land acquisition process was halted due to misunderstandings between officials and landowners. If we receive fair compensation, we are ready to provide our land for the project."

Raiganj MP Kartik Chandra Paul said: "The project has gained fresh momentum with the coordinated efforts of the Central and State governments. The district administration has already identified the required land and published the list of landowners.

Land acquisition is expected to be completed in 2026. The Railways have prepared the detailed project report and funds have been allocated. Once land acquisition is completed, the tender process will begin, followed by laying of the tracks.

The new railway link will provide direct rail connectivity between South Dinajpur and Kaliyaganj, Raiganj, Dalkhola and Barsoi Junction in Bihar, improving passenger movement, trade and regional connectivity between the two neighbouring districts.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.