Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has reaffirmed the Modi government’s strategic plan to neutralize threats to the Siliguri Corridor, commonly referred to as the ‘Chicken Neck’, which serves as the lifeline connecting the Northeast to the rest of India.
Speaking at Advantage Assam 2.0, a key investment summit, CM Sarma highlighted the importance of the corridor, both from a geopolitical and security perspective, and assured that the central government is taking proactive measures to fortify connectivity and infrastructure.
Strategic Importance of the ‘Chicken Neck’
The Siliguri Corridor, or the ‘Chicken Neck’, is a narrow stretch of land in West Bengal, spanning about 22 kilometers, which serves as the only land link between the Northeast and the rest of India.
Due to its geographical vulnerability, the corridor has been subject to strategic threats, with various anti-national forces in the past calling for its disruption. The region’s proximity to China, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan further underscores its importance in India’s national security and trade networks.
Modi Government’s Roadmap for Securing the Corridor
During his speech, CM Sarma assured that the Modi government is fully aware of the threats posed to the corridor and has devised a roadmap to ensure uninterrupted connectivity to the Northeast. He emphasized that:
- Infrastructure Development:
- The Indian Railways is set to construct four new railway tracks over the Chicken Neck to enhance connectivity.
- Plans are in place to add two more railway lines to the corridor in the near future, strengthening railway networks to Assam and beyond.
- Enhanced Security Measures:
- The government is closely monitoring threats from anti-national groups that have in the past aimed to disrupt the corridor.
- Border security in the region has been reinforced, ensuring the safe passage of goods and people.
- Political and Economic Stability:
- The Advantage Assam 2.0 summit highlights the government’s commitment to boosting investments in the Northeast, ensuring its economic integration with the rest of the country.
- Improved connectivity will facilitate business growth, tourism, and regional trade, further reducing Assam’s dependence on a single access point.
Threats to the Chicken Neck and India’s Response
Historically, multiple challenges have threatened the Siliguri Corridor’s stability, including:
- Terrorist activities in the Northeast
- Cross-border infiltration from Bangladesh and Nepal
- Geopolitical tensions with China, particularly near Arunachal Pradesh
- Past insurgent calls to sever the corridor
However, India’s infrastructure development, military deployment, and proactive governance have significantly reduced the vulnerability of the region. The Modi government’s latest push toward strengthening railway connectivity through additional tracks is another step in securing the corridor from potential disruptions.
Railway Minister’s Announcement: A Game Changer for Northeast Connectivity
CM Sarma highlighted the Indian Railway Minister’s recent announcement regarding major investments in railway infrastructure over the Chicken Neck.
- Four railway tracks will be constructed to bolster transportation.
- Two additional railway lines are in the pipeline, which will be revealed soon.
- These developments will ensure faster and more efficient connectivity between Assam and the rest of the country.
With this massive boost in railway infrastructure, the Northeast is set to become more accessible, driving investments, tourism, and trade, while also reducing Assam’s logistical dependency on a single route.
Economic and Strategic Benefits of Strengthened Connectivity
The expansion of railway infrastructure in the Chicken Neck region is expected to:
- Boost trade and commerce by facilitating smoother transportation of goods.
- Encourage tourism in Northeast India, leading to economic prosperity.
- Strengthen military logistics, ensuring quick mobilization of troops and supplies in case of border tensions.
- Enhance disaster preparedness, allowing for quicker relief operations during natural calamities.
The Chicken Neck corridor remains a strategic and economic lifeline for the Northeast, and the Modi government has laid out a concrete roadmap to secure and strengthen its connectivity. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s statement at Advantage Assam 2.0 underscores the central government’s commitment to boosting infrastructure, ensuring security, and promoting economic growth in the region.
With massive railway expansions, enhanced security, and strategic planning, the Modi government is ensuring that the Northeast remains well-connected to the rest of India, neutralizing past threats to the corridor and paving the way for long-term development.
