West Bengal Clears Transfer of Strategic ‘Chicken Neck’ Highway Stretches to Central Agencies
West Bengal has approved the transfer of seven key highway stretches in the strategic Siliguri Corridor to central agencies after nearly a year-long delay.
In a significant move, the West Bengal government has approved handing over seven national highway stretches connected to the strategically vital Siliguri Corridor to central agencies. The decision ends a process that had remained pending for nearly a year, reportedly stalling development and construction work on these routes.
The highway stretches, previously under the control of the state Public Works Department (PWD), will now be managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
Officials said the prolonged delay had affected infrastructure development, with several construction and expansion projects remaining stalled during the period.
The Siliguri Corridor, commonly referred to as the “Chicken Neck,” is one of India’s most strategically sensitive regions. Located in West Bengal, it serves as a narrow land link connecting the country’s northeastern states to the rest of India.
The corridor lies between the districts of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri and is surrounded by Nepal and Bhutan to the north and Bangladesh to the south. In some places, the corridor narrows to just 22 kilometres in width, making it highly important from security, economic and connectivity standpoints.
The development comes amid another major administrative decision by the state government. On Monday, the Bengal government also approved prosecution proceedings against the former principal of R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in connection with an investigation into alleged financial irregularities and money laundering.
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