Assam CM Advocates for Strategic Underground Rail Link to Enhance Northeast Connectivity

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has proposed a significant underground rail link along the strategic 'Chicken's Neck' corridor in West Bengal. This initiative aims to enhance transportation security for the Northeast region, addressing vulnerabilities that have persisted since 1971. Sarma's remarks highlight the historical context of this corridor and the need for improved connectivity. The Railway Minister has confirmed plans for the construction of these underground tracks, which will play a crucial role in national defense. This development marks a pivotal step towards ensuring a secure transport route for the Northeast, fostering greater integration with the rest of India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 3, 2026, 16:59 IST

Strategic Development for Northeast Connectivity

Guwahati, Feb 3: On Tuesday, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the importance of a proposed underground rail connection along the crucial 'Chicken's Neck' corridor in West Bengal, which aims to provide a secure transport route for the Northeast region.

Sarma pointed out that the 'strategic vulnerability' of this narrow land corridor should have been addressed following the events of 1971.

He remarked, "This is a significant development. For many years, the 'Chicken's Neck' has been exploited as a means of intimidation by anti-national elements, both domestically and internationally," in a post on social media.

He further stated, "The introduction of the underground rail link represents a substantial strategic advancement, establishing a reliable transportation corridor between the Northeast and the rest of India."

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Monday that plans are underway to construct underground railway tracks along the 40-km strategic corridor and to upgrade the existing tracks to a four-line system.

The 'Chicken's Neck' corridor, named for its shape, is a narrow strip of land in the Siliguri region of northern West Bengal, measuring over 20 km in width.

This corridor is bordered by Nepal and Bangladesh, with Bhutan and China located a few hundred kilometers away.

Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vaishnaw for this initiative, Sarma stated, "We are making a significant move to address this long-standing strategic vulnerability—an issue that should have been tackled much earlier, possibly right after 1971."

Previously, Sarma noted that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi "could have advocated for the expansion of the Chicken's Neck corridor" following the 1971 conflict.

He suggested that she could have reconfigured the map to provide the Northeast with direct access to the rest of India, rather than relying on the 'Chicken's Neck' corridor.

Sarma also argued that if India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had not "traded the Chittagong port" for a section of Punjab with Pakistan during Partition, the Northeast would not have been reliant on the 'Chicken's Neck'.

According to officials from the Northeast Frontier Railway, the proposed underground lines will connect Tin Mile Haat and Rangapani railway stations in West Bengal.

One of these lines will extend towards Bagdogra in West Bengal, which is crucial for the country's air defense strategy.