India to Run Underground Rail Corridor in “Chicken Neck” to Strengthen Northeast Connectivity

New Delhi/Guwahati: India has unveiled a strategic plan to secure the narrow and vulnerable “Chicken Neck” corridor by constructing an underground rail link, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity to the Northeast. The move comes amid growing regional tensions and strategic concerns involving Bangladesh and other neighboring countries.

Securing the Strategic Corridor
According to the Times of India, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday confirmed that India’s plan to safeguard the Chicken Neck corridor—a 25-kilometer-wide stretch connecting the Northeast to the rest of India—includes laying underground railway tracks. This segment, surrounded by Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, is considered critical for both civilian and military transit.

The Northeast Frontier Railway’s General Manager, Chetan Srivastava, stated that the underground portion will run from Tin Mile Hut to Rangpani stations in West Bengal. The proposal, included in the national budget, also envisions expanding the corridor to four tracks to meet long-standing strategic needs.

Why Underground Rail is Necessary
The decision to build the tracks underground stems from open and covert threats targeting the corridor. The narrow width and strategic location make it highly vulnerable, and any disruption could isolate India’s Northeast, cut supply lines, and impede troop movement during crises. Military planners have emphasized the importance of underground railways to maintain connectivity under all circumstances.

Growing Regional Concerns
Concerns over the corridor’s security intensified following political instability in Bangladesh. Certain groups in Bangladesh have reportedly discussed isolating India’s Northeast as part of a “Greater Bangladesh” vision. Moreover, Bangladesh’s recent agreement with China to establish a drone manufacturing facility has raised alarms, as Chinese-made military drones could be used to monitor and potentially disrupt the India-Bangladesh border, increasing infiltration risks.

The “Chicken Neck”—India’s Strategic Weak Link
Also known as the Siliguri Corridor, the Chicken Neck is a narrow 20–22 km strip in West Bengal that connects India’s eight Northeastern states with the mainland. Surrounded by Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, and located just 130 km from China’s Chumbi Valley, it is often referred to as India’s “strategic weak link.” Ensuring its security is critical for national connectivity and defense.