Siliguri Corridor is no longer a Chicken Neck but has become an Elephant’s Trunk

Indian Army’s information

(Siliguri Corridor: A strategically vital strip of land approximately 22 kilometres wide in West Bengal. It is the only land route connecting India’s seven north-eastern States with the rest of the country. Owing to its narrow width, it has long been referred to as the ‘Chicken Neck’.)

New Delhi – For many years, the Siliguri Corridor, which connects the north-eastern States with mainland India, was known as the ‘Chicken Neck’ because, in the event of a major war, targeting this narrow passage could potentially sever the country’s connection with the north-east. However, according to a report by a national news channel, the Indian Army now believes that this perception has changed. Senior Army officials state that the corridor has now become an ‘Elephant’s Trunk’, symbolising strength, resilience and the ability to respond effectively.

According to the Indian Army’s Eastern Command, since 2014 the Union Government has significantly enhanced India’s strategic preparedness along its eastern frontier. Large-scale investments have been made in expanding military infrastructure, constructing new roads, improving the railway network, deploying advanced surveillance systems and strengthening military communication networks.

Army develops three major military bases

1. Lachit Borphukan Military Base (Assam): Located in the Bamuni area of Dhubri, this base has become a key logistics hub for the Army’s communication and support requirements in the eastern sector. It facilitates troop movement, storage of weapons and ammunition, maintenance of equipment and management of military supplies.

2. Kishanganj Forward Base (Bihar): This base secures the western side of the corridor and enables rapid reinforcement of military forces heading towards the north-east whenever required.

3. Chopra Forward Base (West Bengal): Situated close to the international border, this base keeps watch over the narrowest section of the Siliguri Corridor. It significantly reduces the Army’s response time during any emergency.

4. Efforts to reduce dependence on the Chicken Neck: In addition, work is progressing on the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project through Myanmar with the objective of reducing dependence solely on the Siliguri Corridor for connectivity with north-eastern India.

Increased vigilance along the Bangladesh border

The Army has stated that, in view of the political developments in Bangladesh and the prevailing regional security situation, India has strengthened surveillance along its eastern border. Advanced surveillance systems have been deployed along the India–Bangladesh border.

Focus also on China

The Army is also maintaining close watch over the Chumbi Valley region in China. Located between Bhutan and Sikkim, this area has always been considered strategically important because of its proximity to the Siliguri Corridor. India’s Trishakti Corps deployed in this sector has been further strengthened with modern weaponry.