Strategic Rail Corridor to Fortify Northeast Connectivity: Assam CM Unveils Critical Infrastructure Initiative

In a significant announcement addressing long-standing regional security concerns, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has revealed plans for an underground rail link along the strategically vital 'Chicken's Neck' corridor. This narrow 22-kilometer Siliguri Corridor, connecting India's northeastern states to the mainland, represents a critical geopolitical vulnerability that has persisted since the 1971 conflict. The proposed subterranean infrastructure project aims to establish a secure, all-weather transportation route, mitigating the corridor's exposure to potential disruptions and enhancing military logistics capabilities. Analysis indicates this initiative responds to decades of strategic assessments highlighting the corridor's susceptibility, with the underground design offering both physical protection and operational continuity during adverse conditions. The development aligns with broader national security objectives to strengthen connectivity with northeastern regions while reducing dependency on surface routes through challenging terrain. This infrastructure advancement represents a calculated move to transform a historical vulnerability into a fortified asset, potentially reshaping regional logistics frameworks and reinforcing India's strategic posture in its northeastern frontier.