Union Home Minister Directs Agencies to Strengthen Security and Infrastructure in Siliguri Corridor

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed all concerned agencies to increase their institutional footprint in the Siliguri Corridor. The directives were issued during a high-level security review meeting held during the Home Minister's two-day visit to Siliguri.

Often referred to as the 'Chicken Neck', the Siliguri Corridor is a strategically vital passage measuring approximately 60 kilometers long and 22 kilometers wide. It connects India's eight northeastern states with the rest of the country, while wedging between Bangladesh to the south and west, Tibet (China) to the north, and linking India to neighboring Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.

During the meeting, the Home Minister instructed agencies to establish more of their institutions in the region, keep the corridor free of encroachments, and take decisive steps to halt illegal immigration. He also reviewed the security of all vital installations across the corridor and emphasized the implementation of a quadrangular approach to border security.

The high-level meeting was attended by the West Bengal Chief Minister, senior officials from central and state ministries including the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, alongside representatives from the Army, Border Security Force (BSF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of West Bengal.

During the proceedings, the Multi Agency Centre's Standing Focus Group on Siliguri Corridor made a presentation detailing progress made and recommendations for further security enhancements. The review also covered the status of critical infrastructural projects in the region, with the Home Minister instructing all agencies to complete pending works in a time-bound manner.

Additionally, the discussions addressed border affairs, demographic changes, and activities related to Persons of Indian Origin. The Home Minister further suggested that the West Bengal Chief Minister explore possibilities for opening more Sainik schools and increasing the number of senior NCC cadets in North Bengal to enhance regional preparedness and engagement.

"Logistics, supply chain integrity, and regional security form the backbone of sustainable economic growth, especially in geographically sensitive areas like the Siliguri Corridor. For businesses and enterprises operating across Northeast India, stable infrastructure and secure transit routes are critical for seamless trade and commerce. Ensuring time-bound execution of infrastructure projects and strengthening regional coordination not only reinforces national security but also provides long-term stability for commercial investments in the region." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes