National Security on priority: CM Suvendu Adhikari to transfer 120 acres in Chicken’s Neck corridor to BSF, Centre to take control of key National Highway stretches 

Bengal govt to transfer 120 acres to BSF and key NH stretches in Siliguri corridor to NHAI
representational images of PM Modi, Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari, and BSF jawans patrolling border fence

The West Bengal government under CM Suvendu Adhikari has initiated the transfer of 120 acres of land to the Border Security Force (BSF) and cleared the handover of key National Highway stretches to central agencies for security reasons in the sensitive and strategic Chicken’s Neck corridor in West Bengal that is adjacent to Bangladesh.

The land transfer in the narrow 22 km wide corridor, which connects mainland India to the eight northeastern states, aims to accelerate border fencing along the India-Bangladesh boundary and enhance security measures. The process is currently underway, reflecting the new state government’s priority on fortifying this strategically critical chokepoint wedged between Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.

Additionally, the BJP government in Bengal has take steps to approve the hand over of seven stretches of National Highways from the state Public Works Department to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), as per reports.

Five of these stretches pass directly through the Chicken’s Neck, including vital routes like Sevoke-Kalimpong-Sikkim border (NH-10), Siliguri-Kurseong-Darjeeling, Hasimara-Jaigaon (Bhutan border), and Changrabandha (Bangladesh border). NH10, which connects Sikkim, and NH110, which connects Darjeeling, have for years been vulnerable to landslides, rain damage and other mishaps that cut connectivity to these regions, disrupting supplies and travel.

“Taken together, these seven stretches strengthen connectivity to Sikkim, Bhutan and Bangladesh, link the Darjeeling hills, the Dooars and North Bengal with the national highway network, improve the Bihar-Bengal corridor through Malda and Murshidabad, and upgrade the road spine running through Murshidabad, Nadia and North 24-Parganas up to the Indo-Bangladesh border at Ghojadanga,” The Telegraph quoted from a official press note issued by the office of Chief Secretary.

These land transfer proposals had remained pending for a long time under the TMC government. The move is expected to fast-track road widening, repairs, and upgrading works critical for defence logistics, trade, tourism, and rapid military mobility in the critical corridor. 

Written by OpIndia Staff
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