INTRODUCTION
India is all set to become the fourth-largest economy in the world, surpassing Japan, while also contributing 6.5% growth in the trade sector. [1]As India aspires to establish itself as a global hub for manufacturing and trade, the connectivity of trade plays a pivotal role in achieving the same. Economic growth is a crucial aspect of a country’s development, and trade is a major component, contributing a 45% to 50% share in GDP. To facilitate the flow of goods and resources between different regions, secure transit routes and transportation networks are essential. While we mention transit routes for promoting trade, we cannot fail to mention the lifeline of our country, i.e. Siliguri corridor. This corridor holds strategic and economic importance owing to its location and functional significance. It serves as a crucial transit route connecting the neighbouring countries with India, while also supporting cross-border economic cooperation and national integration. Let’s discuss in detail the strategic importance of the Siliguri corridor, while also discussing the contemporary issues surrounding the corridor, which is part of recent national discussions.
BACKGROUND
Siliguri corridor, also known as the “chicken neck” of India, is a 50 km long and 22 km wide narrow stretch of land which connects mainland India with its northeastern part. This corridor shares its border with Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh and is only 130 km away from Tibet’s Chumbi valley. It is a crucial part for our country as it is the only route to connect the northeastern states with India. Its history goes back to the time when India gained independence in 1947. In British India, the northeastern states were directly connected to India through Bangladesh. After the partition, we lost the connectivity through Bangladesh and were left with only a narrow strip of land in Siliguri to link the territories. Due to its vulnerability as it is a narrow land, which can be easily invaded, it was nicknamed “Chicken Neck”. India, after the India-China war in 1962, as a national security strategy, increasingly deployed the Indian military to protect the borders of the corridors from invasion by Chinese military forces, and also worked on strengthening the infrastructure for seamless trade. [2]
WHY IN THE NEWS?
As we know, any disruption in this route will cause a direct threat to India’s territorial integrity. Recently, India conducted various military exercises, including ‘Teesta Prahar’ for operational preparedness and joint force coordination. [3]This shows that the Indian authority is ready to face any obstacles to protect the territory from potential dangers in and around the Siliguri corridor. The concerns are raised due to recent geopolitical events, such as Bangladesh’s announcement to construct an air base in Lalmonirhat, which is close to the Siliguri corridor, and China’s growing interference in the northeast parts, while also engaging heavily with Bangladesh’s new government. However, India is maintaining a strong defence with the presence of Rafale fighter jets, which helps in long-distance strikes beyond 150 km, and the Trishakti corps, consisting of the Navy, the Army, and the Air Force, in the corridor for security along its borders.
STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SILIGURI CORRIDOR
- The corridor is the vital route for transportation, trade, and communication with the northeastern states. It establishes trade relations with not only neighbouring countries, but also with Members of ASEAN.
- Northeast regions are known for their rich resources such as hydropower, oil and natural gas, agricultural products, etc.
- The Haldi-Barauni pipeline connects major refineries to mainland India, ensuring a steady supply of petroleum products.
- Due to proximity to the Doklam plateau and China’s Belt and Road initiative, special attention needs to be paid to protect the region and maintain national integrity.
- India inaugurated various infrastructure projects in the Siliguri Corridor, such as the Bharatmala Project, BBIN, and railway electrification.
THREATS TO SECURITY
Though India acts on its neighbourhood first policy, the relationship of our country with China and Pakistan, being hostile, is concerning. China’s growing infrastructure projects near the corridor and its statement on claims of Arunachal Pradesh raise concerns. There is also the possibility of social unrest due to various ethnic groups living in that region, as these groups are often manipulated by insurgent groups for funding or employment. The corridor raises concerns regarding potential risks of illegal smuggling and activities due to the vulnerability of its location and its border with international nations. The presence of insurgent groups active near the corridor may lead to destruction if not regulated.
POSSIBLE MEASURES
- The government should construct an alternative route to connect the Northeast states, so that traffic can be diverted from the Siliguri corridor, which will reduce dependency.
- The native people near the corridor must be provided with employment opportunities and monetary relief to prevent them from being manipulated by insurgent groups.
- Conducting social outreach programs to connect with the people and encourage social harmony, which will develop a sense of national unity.
- Engaging in political dialogues, through their representation in the administrative and political fields, will lead to an increase in trust and loyalty.
- Increased border surveillance through a smart monitoring system to prevent illegal migrants from entering the border.
- The government must verify every individual with biometric IDs and increase the number of check posts near the border to prevent illegal migration.
LEGAL REFORMS
Border Security Force – It acts as the primary legislation governing border control around the Siliguri Corridor. It prevents illegal activities such as smuggling, migration, and curbs insurgent activities.
Article 355 –The Constitution of India inserted Article 355, which provides power to the Union to protect every state against external aggression and internal disturbance, and to ensure that state governments operate under the Constitution.[4]
Immigration Act, 1971 – It regulates the entry and exit of foreigners in India while also managing cross-border movement in the corridor. [5]
The Railway Act, 1989 – Railway being the crucial mode of transport for materials, is governed by this act for operation and development. [6]
Citizenship Act, 1955 – It governs the termination and determination of Indian citizenship and deals with issues concerning unlawful migrants from Bangladesh.[7]
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the Siliguri Corridor is not merely a narrow stretch of land but the lifeline of national integration, economic connectivity, and strategic security for India. Its geographic position makes it indispensable for connecting the northeast region with the rest of the country, facilitating the movement of people, goods, and resources. However, this very significance also makes it vulnerable to a multitude of threats ranging from cross-border crises and geopolitical issues to illegal migration and insurgent activities.
To preserve national integrity and secure our economic ambitions, the Siliguri Corridor must be treated as a national priority both strategically and developmentally. Strengthening this critical chicken neck will not only ensure regional stability but also pave the way for enhanced connectivity and prosperity for the entire northeastern region of India. It is essential to apply the multidimensional approach to preserve the corridor, such as increased military presence, smart monitoring, biometric verification, alternative route infrastructures, etc. All these possible measures should be undertaken to achieve the desired result and preserve the trade unit of India, leading to growth in our economy.
Author(s) Name: Arya Sharma (Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur)\
References:
[1] Smriti Jain, ‘India to become 4th largest economy by 2025’ Times of India, (Delhi, 5 May 2025)
[2] Aditya Kant Ghising,“The Siliguri Corridor: A Historical Analysis of Geo-Political Vulnerability in Eastern India” (2024) 7 International Journal of Social Science Research and Review 217 https://ijssrr.com/journal/article/view/2062 Accessed 16 May 2025
[3] Aditi Suryavanshi, “Indian Army Conducts Successful Teesta Prahar: Heres All You Need to about the Lethal Field Firing Exercise” Free Press Journal (May 15, 2025) https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/indian-army-conducts-successful-teesta-prahar-heres-all-you-need-to-about-the-lethal-field-firing-exercise Accessed 16 May 2025
[4] Constitution of India, Article 355
[5] Immigration Act 1971, c 77
[6] The Railways Act, 1989
[7] Citizenship Act 1955 (India), s 3
