By SILLGURI — India is taking a giant leap to protect its border and improve travel. The government has announced a bold plan to build an underground railway line through the famous ‘Chicken’s Neck’ corridor. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared the news on February 3, 2026. He called the project a strategic breakthrough that will make the connection between Northeast India and the rest of the country safer than ever before.
The ‘Chicken’s Neck’ also known as the Sillguri Corridor, is a very narrow strip of land in West Bengal. It is only about 20 to 22 kilometers wide and its narrowest point. This small stretch is the only land path that connects mainland India to the eight northeastern states like Assam, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. Because it is surrounded by other countries like Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan. It is considered a very sensitive and important area for India’s safety.
For a long time, experts were worried that if there was ever a conflict, enemies could try to pinch this narrow neck and cut off the Northeast from the rest of India. By building a 40 kilometer underground rail link, the government is creating a hidden and secure path. Unlike tracks on the surface, underground tunnels are much harder to see or attack from the outside. This ensures that even in difficult times, food, medicine, and soldiers can keep moving without interruptions.
The project was first introduced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during the Union Budget discussions. The underground tracks will run between Tin Mile Haat and Rangapani stations in West Bengal. The government plans to expand the existing surface tracks to four lines and add two underground lines. This will create a powerful six-line corridor. One of the lines will connect to Bagdogra, which is a very important base for India’s Air Force. This tunnel will be built about 22 to 24 meters below the ground.
Chief Minister Sarma mentioned that this vulnerability should have been fixed many years ago, especially after the war in 1971. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for having the vision to start this project now. He explained that for decades, anti-national forces used the narrowness of the Chicken’s Neck to try and intimidate India. This new underground link removes that fear and gives the Northeast a foolproof connection to the mainland.
Apart from safety, this project is part of a massive 72,468 crore rupees investment in Northeast railways. The government wants to make sure that people in states like Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland have the same modern transport as those in Delhi or Mumbai. In the future, there are even plans for a Bullet train that could go all the way to Guwahati. With these new tracks, the ‘Chicken’s Neck’ will no longer be a weak spot, but a strong bridge towards a faster and more secure India.
India has announced a strategic 40 km underground rail link through the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the ‘Chicken’s Neck,’ to secure connectivity between the Northeast and mainland India. The project will add two underground lines alongside expanded surface tracks, creating a six-line corridor. Backed by major investment, the move strengthens national security while boosting rail infrastructure across Northeast India.
