Siliguri Corridor Land Transfer
New Delhi: The West Bengal government has cleared the transfer of a key 120-acre stretch in the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the “Chicken’s Neck,” to central agencies, marking a significant step in strengthening India’s northeastern connectivity and defence infrastructure.
The decision involves handing over land documents to the Border Security Force (BSF) and transferring several stretches of national highways to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
Officials say the move will allow faster development of roads and transport networks that link the northeastern states with the rest of India.
The Siliguri Corridor is a narrow 22-kilometre-wide strip located in northern West Bengal, connecting the northeastern states to mainland India. It lies between Nepal and Bangladesh and is considered one of the most sensitive strategic zones in the country.
This corridor serves as the only land connection to states such as Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura, along with access to Sikkim.
For years, infrastructure projects in the region have faced delays due to land and administrative hurdles, slowing down highway expansion and repair work.
With the land transfer, the central government is expected to accelerate road widening, maintenance and new highway construction to improve both civilian travel and military logistics.
There are also plans to strengthen railway connectivity in the region, including a proposed 40-kilometre underground rail corridor announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The underground route is expected to ensure uninterrupted connectivity even during emergencies.
Security experts say direct central oversight of key routes through the corridor will improve rapid troop movement and logistical readiness for the armed forces.
The Siliguri Corridor’s location near international borders has long made it a sensitive zone in India’s security planning. The latest infrastructure push is being seen as an effort to reduce vulnerabilities and improve long-term stability in the region.
The transfer follows coordination between the West Bengal administration and central agencies after years of discussions over jurisdiction and development responsibilities. Officials say the move is aimed at balancing regional development with national security priorities.
