Guwahati buzzes with optimism as Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma endorses a groundbreaking proposal for an underground railway tunnel through the Siliguri Corridor. Described by the CM as a game-changer, this ambitious project promises to revolutionize connectivity between Northeast India and the rest of the nation.
In a fervent post on X, Sarma highlighted how the tunnel will ensure seamless movement of passengers and goods, bypassing the vulnerabilities of the narrow ‘Chicken’s Neck’ corridor. This slender land strip has long been the sole lifeline linking the Northeast to mainland India, prone to disruptions from natural calamities, accidents, or other blockages.
Sarma expressed profound gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for envisioning this forward-thinking initiative. ‘This tunnel will fortify connectivity from the Northeast region and provide an uninterrupted link for passenger and cargo movement,’ he posted, underscoring its role in strengthening strategic and economic ties.
The Siliguri Corridor’s strategic fragility has been a recurring concern for the CM. He has repeatedly emphasized the need for robust alternatives, including tunnels and upgraded rail-road networks, to safeguard economic activities and national security. Dependence on a single surface route heightens risks, potentially isolating the Northeast during crises.
Officials anticipate the underground tunnel will offer a secure, all-weather pathway, mitigating these weaknesses substantially. Beyond logistics, it will accelerate trade, tourism, and industrial growth by enabling faster, more reliable transport of goods and raw materials.
This development aligns seamlessly with the Centre’s Act East Policy and vision for a developed India, positioning the Northeast as a gateway to Southeast Asia. Ongoing investments in highways, railways, bridges, and waterways complement the tunnel, marking it as a pivotal step toward integrating the region into India’s economic mainstream.
The Assam government views enhanced connectivity as a catalyst for new opportunities while addressing longstanding infrastructure and security concerns tied to the Chicken’s Neck. As this project advances, it signals a brighter, more connected future for Northeast India.