Siliguri Corridor and India’s Strategic Connectivity

India’s vital link to the Northeast

Siliguri Corridor and India’s Strategic Connectivity: The Siliguri Corridor, famously nicknamed the Chicken’s Neck, is more than just a narrow stretch of land—it’s a critical bridge between mainland India and the northeastern states. Stretching only about 20 to 22 kilometers wide, it is squeezed between Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. This small land patch carries a massive responsibility—keeping India united.

As regional politics shift and China’s activities grow stronger, this corridor’s role is becoming even more important. Think of it like India’s lifeline to the East, and any threat to it is a threat to the entire nation.

Lifeline for transport and trade

The corridor supports over 40 million people across the northeast. Covering around 262,230 square kilometres, the area relies heavily on this narrow link for basic supplies, economic activity, and military movements. Almost 95% of exports from states like Assam and Manipur pass through it.

If anything were to block or disrupt this stretch, India’s national unity and economic lifeblood to the Northeast would suffer drastically.

Too close to Chinese borders

A major concern lies in the proximity to China’s Chumbi Valley, which is dangerously close to this corridor. This makes it vulnerable in case of any military escalation. The Doklam standoff of 2017 was a warning. It reminded India how easily this connection could be cut off in a hostile situation. This region is not just about logistics—it’s a frontline of strategic defence.

Growing Chinese presence nearby

China’s increasing investment in surrounding countries is making things more complex. Projects in Myanmar and Bangladesh hint at deeper influence. For India, this is like being encircled in its own backyard. Every new railway, port, or highway in these regions can potentially shift the balance of power.

Rising worry over Lalmonirhat

A particularly alarming development is the proposed reopening of Lalmonirhat airbase in Bangladesh, just 135 km from the corridor. If this base is revived with Chinese help, it could become a hub for surveillance and intelligence operations. This means China could “watch” India’s every move in the region.

Political statements stir concern

Recently, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma pointed out these dangers. His remarks emphasized the dual challenge India faces—from border tensions with Bangladesh and Chinese encroachment. Bangladesh’s interim government under Muhammad Yunus appears to be leaning towards China, further complicating matters for India.

Exploring new corridors

India is not sitting idle. Several new routes and strategies are being worked on:

• Hili–Mahendraganj Route: Offers a smoother link to Meghalaya through Bangladesh.
• Tarapokhar–Shakati Corridor: Bypasses the congested Siliguri stretch.
• Subterranean tunnels: Underground infrastructure could provide safer alternatives.
• Kaladan Multimodal Corridor: Links Kolkata to Mizoram via Myanmar, opening up a much-needed additional access point.

Strategic planning is the need of the hour

India must act fast and smart. The Siliguri Corridor is not just a road—it’s a symbol of national unity and resilience. Diversifying access, investing in new corridors, and securing infrastructure are no longer optional. They are essential steps for preserving territorial integrity and ensuring uninterrupted connectivity to the Northeast.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Siliguri Corridor and India’s Strategic Connectivity: