Key Highlights  

Suvendu Adhikari, the newly elected Chief Minister of West Bengal, has initiated the

 transfer of approximately 120 acres of critical land in the Siliguri Corridor (popularly known as the Chicken’s Neck to the Central Government, primarily for the Border Security Force (BSF). The process is expected to be completed within the next 45 days.  

In a parallel move, the state government has also handed over control of seven key national highway stretches in the region to central agencies like NHAI and NHIDCL for accelerated development.

 What is the Chicken’s Neck?

The Siliguri Corridor is a narrow strip of land (just 20–22 km wide at its narrowest point) that connects mainland India with the eight Northeastern states. It is flanked by Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and is in close proximity to China — making it one of India’s most strategically sensitive and vulnerable areas.

 Major Benefits to India

- Strengthened National Security: Direct control by the Centre and BSF will enable faster border fencing, new outposts, and improved round-the-clock patrolling. This significantly reduces risks of infiltration, smuggling, and potential hybrid threats in this geopolitically sensitive zone.

- Faster Infrastructure Development: Central agencies can now fast-track highway upgrades and other strategic projects that were earlier delayed. This improves military mobility, allowing quicker movement of troops and equipment during emergencies.

- Seamless Centre-State Coordination: With aligned governance, decision-making on security and development projects becomes smoother and faster, eliminating previous bureaucratic hurdles.

- Boost to Northeast India: Enhanced connectivity and security will promote trade, tourism, and investment in the Northeast, while ensuring reliable supply lines. It strengthens the implementation of India’s Act East Policy.

- Long-term Strategic Resilience: The move addresses a long-standing national vulnerability by securing India’s “weakest link,” sending a strong signal of proactive defence preparedness.

This early decision by the new West Bengal government is being seen as a pragmatic and forward-looking step that prioritises national interest over political considerations. It is expected to play a vital role in fortifying India’s eastern frontier and integrating the Northeast more firmly with the rest of the country.