India is set to develop a new four-lane highway in the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, also known as the “Chicken’s Neck,” close to the Bangladesh border. The project has received approval for an investment of around ₹2,077 crore.
The proposed highway will stretch for about 31 kilometres and connect Galgalia in Bihar with Bagdogra through Panitanki and Khoribari. It will run parallel to National Highway 27, providing an alternative route through the region.
The Siliguri Corridor is particularly important because it is the main land connection between mainland India and the northeastern states. The corridor is around 60 kilometres long but becomes only about 20–22 kilometres wide at its narrowest point, making it strategically sensitive.
The new road is expected to improve connectivity with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh while reducing traffic pressure in areas such as Bagdogra, Naxalbari, Khoribari and Panitanki. It could also improve access to Bagdogra Airport and help transport agricultural, horticultural and tea products.
The project will include three major bridges, a road overbridge, service roads and five elephant underpasses. The underpasses are planned to reduce accidents involving elephants in forest areas.
The highway is also expected to strengthen transportation and logistics in this strategically significant part of northern India.
