Chicken’s Neck Corridor

Chicken’s Neck Corridor Latest News

Bangladesh has invited China to invest in a river conservation project close to the ‘Chicken’s Neck’ corridor – the link between India’s mainland and its seven northeastern States.

About Chicken’s Neck Corridor

• ‘Chicken’s Neck’, also known as the Siliguri Corridor, a narrow strip of land in West Bengal that connects India's northeastern states to the rest of the country.
• The corridor is situated in the northern part of West Bengal, spanning approximately 22 kilometres at its narrowest point.
• It is flanked by Nepal to the west, Bhutan to the north, and Bangladesh to the south.
• It links the North-eastern Region (NER), comprising eight states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura—to mainland India.

Significance of Siliguri Corridor

• It is a strategically significant and geopolitically sensitive region. 
• It is vital for the movement of military personnel, goods, and supplies.
• Any blockade or threat to this corridor could disrupt connectivity to India's northeast.
• The region is close to the India-China border, particularly the Chumbi Valley in Tibet, where China has built significant military infrastructure.
• In case of conflict, China could potentially cut off India's accessto its northeastern states by targeting this corridor.

Chicken’s Neck Corridor FAQs

Q1. How wide is the Chicken’s Neck Corridor at its narrowest point?

Ans. 22 kilometers

Q2. Which countries border the Chicken’s Neck Corridor?

Ans. Nepal to the west, Bhutan to the north, Bangladesh to the south

Q3. Why is the Chicken’s Neck Corridor considered strategically significant?

Ans. It is a critical area for the movement of military personnel, goods, and supplies.

Source: DH