India has approved a major ₹2,077.18-crore infrastructure project aimed at strengthening connectivity through the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, popularly known as the “Chicken’s Neck.” Union Minister for Road Transport an Highways Nitin Gadkari announced the approval of the project, which will convert a 31.02-kilometre section of National Highway-327 between Bagdogra and Galgalia in West Bengal into a four-lane highway.
The project covers the Bagdogra-Panitanki-Kharibari-Galgalia section and is expected to improve road connectivity across North Bengal while providing a stronger and more efficient link towards the northeastern states. The upgraded route will also improve access towards Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, making it important from both regional connectivity and strategic infrastructure perspectives.
According to details released following the announcement, the project will include three major bridges, one road overbridge, five elephant underpasses and service roads on both sides of the highway. The inclusion of dedicated wildlife crossings is intended to reduce human-animal conflict while allowing safer movement of elephants along the route.
The four-laning is also expected to ease traffic congestion in areas including Bagdogra, Naxalbari, Kharibari and Panitanki. Better road infrastructure could improve access to Bagdogra Airport and facilitate faster movement of agricultural, horticultural, tea and other products from North Bengal to larger markets.
The Siliguri Corridor holds particular strategic significance because it is the narrow land link connecting mainland India with the northeastern region. The corridor separates Nepal from Bangladesh and provides a crucial route for the movement of people, goods and essential supplies between the Northeast and the rest of the country.
The latest highway investment therefore represents more than a conventional road-widening project. By expanding capacity on an important route around the Siliguri Corridor, the government aims to create more resilient regional connectivity while supporting economic activity and movement across North Bengal and the Northeast. The project also forms part of broader efforts to strengthen infrastructure around this strategically sensitive land bridge.