The Siliguri Corridor — also known as the “Chicken’s Neck” — is India’s only land link between its northeastern states and the rest of the country.
This narrow strip of territory, bordering Nepal and Bangladesh and close to the China and Bhutan borders, is extremely sensitive for India’s security. To further strengthen defense and connectivity infrastructure in the region, New Delhi has now taken up a massive project worth about 2,077 crore rupees.
The funding will build a new 31-kilometer, four-lane highway running parallel to the existing main highway (NH-27), from Galgalia in Bihar to Bagdogra.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari recently announced the approval. Once built, the new road will make travel to key hubs, including Bagdogra Airport, significantly easier.
It will also reduce traffic pressure on busy areas such as Naxalbari and Khoribari. Farmers and tea garden owners in the area will be able to send their produce to major markets more easily and quickly, giving North Bengal’s economy a fresh boost.
Beyond security concerns, special measures have also been taken to protect wildlife. Since a large stretch of the new road passes through forest land where elephant herds regularly cross, five special “elephant underpasses” will be built beneath the road to prevent collisions with fast-moving vehicles. Three large bridges and footover bridges will also be constructed.
Following recent shifts in the region’s geopolitical situation, India has grown notably more active in securing this border area. Alongside the highway, work is also progressing rapidly on underground rail lines and new railway tracks in the region.
According to Indian security analysts, the central government is building this alternative route with the foresight of ensuring that connectivity between India’s northeastern states and the rest of the country is never severed in an emergency.