India Accelerates Underground Defence Infrastructure Plan Along Strategic Siliguri Corridor

India has accelerated plans to establish underground defence infrastructure along the strategically sensitive Siliguri Corridor, also known as the “Chicken’s Neck,” to protect the vital land link connecting the country’s northeastern states with the rest of India amid potential military threats and emergencies.

The proposed infrastructure reportedly includes underground ammunition storage facilities, command-and-control centres, communication installations and protective bunkers, with the overall cost of the projects estimated at around Rs 1.89 billion.

Due to the corridor’s highly sensitive geographical location, the Indian government is focusing on developing infrastructure capable of maintaining military movement, logistics and communications even in the event of a conflict or attack.

The narrow land corridor serves as the principal overland connection between India’s northeastern states and the rest of the country. Nepal lies to its west and Bangladesh to its east, while Bhutan is also located nearby, adding to the strategic sensitivity of the area.

According to Indian Railways, underground railway lines are being planned along an approximately 40-kilometre strategic stretch from Tin Mile Haat to Rangapani, at a depth of around 20 to 24 metres below ground level. There is also a proposal to expand the existing railway infrastructure to four tracks.

Under the plan, one section of the underground railway would extend towards Bagdogra, where Indian military and air facilities are located.