Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday welcomed the proposal for an underground railway tunnel through the Siliguri Corridor, calling it a transformative project that will strengthen connectivity between the Northeast and mainland India while ensuring uninterrupted movement of passengers and goods.
In a post on X, CM Sarma said the tunnel would reinforce India’s strategic and economic links with the Northeast, a region that relies heavily on the narrow Siliguri Corridor, often called the “Chicken’s Neck,” for surface connectivity. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that the initiative reflects the Centre’s long-term commitment to national integration and balanced regional development.
“The proposed underground railway tunnel will provide a seamless link for the movement of passengers and goods, further cementing connectivity to the Northeast. My gratitude to Hon’ble @narendramodi ji for envisioning this game-changing idea,” CM Sarma wrote.
The Chief Minister has repeatedly highlighted the strategic vulnerability of the Siliguri Corridor, emphasizing that reliance on a single surface route poses risks during natural disasters, accidents, or other disruptions. He has advocated for alternative connectivity options, including tunnels and enhanced rail and road networks, to ensure uninterrupted access to the region.
Officials said the underground tunnel would provide a protected, all-weather route through the corridor, reducing logistical and security vulnerabilities. The project is also expected to accelerate trade, tourism, and industrial growth in the Northeast by facilitating faster and more reliable transportation of goods and raw materials.
Observers note that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader Act East and Viksit Bharat vision, positioning the Northeast as a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia. Alongside ongoing investments in highways, railways, bridges, and waterways, the tunnel is seen as a key step toward fully integrating the Northeast into India’s economic mainstream.
The Assam government believes that improving connectivity will unlock new growth opportunities while addressing long-standing infrastructural and strategic challenges associated with the Chicken’s Neck corridor.
