How India is fortifying the ‘Chicken’s Neck’: Underground rail, military bunkers, Rafales and more

India is stepping up efforts to fortify the strategically vital Siliguri Corridor, popularly known as the “Chicken’s Neck”, with plans for underground military infrastructure, hardened command and ammunition facilities, stronger air-power capabilities and alternative connectivity routes to the Northeast.

The corridor, located in northern West Bengal, is just over 22 km wide at its narrowest point and serves as the crucial land link between mainland India and the northeastern states. Wedged between Nepal and Bangladesh, with Bhutan and China nearby, the corridor is among India’s most strategically vulnerable areas.

40-km underground railway corridor planned

India is planning a 40-km underground railway corridor through the Siliguri Corridor to ensure secure and uninterrupted connectivity with the Northeast, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

The proposed underground link aims to create a more resilient transport route through an area that could face disruption in the event of a military conflict.

Army plans underground ammunition, command centres

India is also looking to move key military assets below ground in the strategically sensitive corridor.

According to a CNN-News18 report, the Army plans to establish 12 underground ammunition storage facilities for air-defence units, along with underground storage for ammunition used by the Smerch long-range rocket system.

The plans also include 21 surface firing positions, five underground command centres, six communication centres and 12 bomb shelters, the report said.

Army Headquarters is also planning new military stations along the corridor, according to the report.

The underground infrastructure is intended to improve the survivability of critical military assets against missile strikes and other attacks during a conflict.

Rafale fighters strengthen air shield

The Air Force Station Hasimara in West Bengal forms another key component of India's defence posture around the corridor.

Located close to the strategic area, Hasimara is home to the Indian Air Force’s No. 101 Squadron, known as the “Falcons of Chhamb and Akhnoor”, which operates Rafale fighter jets.

The squadron was formally operationalised at Hasimara in July 2021, giving India a potent air-power asset close to one of its most strategically sensitive regions.

Why the ‘Chicken’s Neck’ matters

The Siliguri Corridor is the principal land connection between the rest of India and the Northeast.

Any major disruption to the corridor could affect the movement of troops, fuel, food, military equipment and other essential supplies to the region.

Its vulnerability has also prompted India to explore alternative connectivity routes through Bangladesh and Myanmar, reducing dependence on a single narrow land link.

Doklam standoff exposed strategic vulnerability

India’s concerns over the corridor were underscored by the 2017 Doklam standoff, when Indian and Chinese troops faced off for more than two months after China increased its military presence in the Doklam area near the India-Bhutan-China trijunction.

China’s infrastructure development in the region, including roads and military facilities, has remained a major concern for Indian security planners.

The proximity of Doklam to the Siliguri Corridor adds to the strategic importance of maintaining secure access to the Northeast.

India builds alternative routes to Northeast

Alongside fortifying the corridor, India is expanding infrastructure that could provide more resilient connectivity across the Northeast.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a ₹18,662-crore project for four-lane, access-controlled greenfield connectivity between Gohpur on NH-15 and Numaligarh on NH-715 in Assam.

The project includes a 15.79-km road-cum-rail tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra, which the government has described as India’s first underwater road-cum-rail tunnel.

The project is expected to improve connectivity to Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and other northeastern states while reducing travel time and improving freight movement.

It also aims to lower logistics costs and support economic growth across the region.

Emergency landing strips, new military base

India is also strengthening its infrastructure that can support military operations during emergencies.

In February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated an emergency landing facility in Dibrugarh, Assam. The 4.2-km stretch of highway has been upgraded to allow military aircraft to land during emergencies.

India has also decided to establish a military base in Mizoram near the Bangladesh border, adding another layer to its security architecture in the Northeast.

Taken together, the measures reflect a broader strategy: fortifying the Siliguri Corridor itself, building underground military infrastructure, strengthening air power, and creating alternative transport links so that the Northeast is not dependent on a single vulnerable gateway.

About the Author

Bhanu Pratap is a journalist who reports and writes on foreign affairs, India’s foreign policy, geopolitics and strategic affairs. He closely follows diplomatic developments in New Delhi and has a keen interest in defence and national security.<br> <br> Bhanu also focuses on in-depth, interview-based reports and regularly speaking with experts and policymakers to bring perspectives and context to major developments around the world.<br> <br> He is also interested in stories with strong humanitarian angles.<br><br> One such report examined the cases of Indian nationals who were allegedly recruited and forced into Russia’s war against Ukraine. While reporting the story, Bhanu spoke to the families of those affected and documented their experiences. The report was later taken into account by the United Nations in its findings on human rights violations linked to the war in Ukraine.<br> <br> For Bhanu, the zeal to produce meaningful and impactful journalism remains at the heart of his work.<br> <br>He has previously worked with Firstpost, NDTV, Newslaundry and Republic.<br><br> Bhanu studied at the Delhi School of Journalism, University of Delhi. He initially chose science with plans to pursue engineering, influenced by conventional expectations, but fate had other plans and eventually led him to journalism.<br><br> Beyond the newsroom, Bhanu enjoys exploring culture and history and often spends his days off on heritage walks. He is also passionate about travelling, biking and listening to folk music.<br> <br>For tips, reviews and suggestions, you can reach him at bhanu.pratap@htdigital.in.

^{Get Latest real-time updates}

Stay updated with the latest Trending, India, World and US news.

HomeNewsWorldHow India is fortifying the ‘Chicken’s Neck’: Underground rail, military bunkers, Rafales and more