ISLAMABAD: In a significant move to enhance border security, the BorderSecurity Force of India has installed a new design fencing system acrossnearly 75 percent of the strategically vital Siliguri Corridor, also knownas the Chicken’s Neck. This narrow strip of land connects mainland India toits northeastern states and has long been considered a vulnerablechokepoint due to its proximity to Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. Sourcesindicate that the upgraded 12-feet-high fencing is supported by advancedsurveillance cameras and revised area domination strategies.
The Siliguri Corridor, measuring about 22 kilometres at its narrowestpoint, serves as the sole land link for over 50 million people in India’seight northeastern states. Any disruption here could isolate the regionmilitarily and economically. Recent political instability in Bangladesh,following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024, hasprompted heightened vigilance from New Delhi. Reports suggest increasedChinese and Pakistani engagement with Dhaka has raised concerns overpotential threats to this corridor.
According to highly placed sources within the BSF, the new design fencingis difficult to cut or climb, incorporating modern materials and technologyto deter infiltration and smuggling. Powerful cameras provide real-timemonitoring, while enhanced patrols extend deeper into Indian territory todisrupt cross-border networks. This development comes as part of broaderefforts to transform vulnerable sections into smart borders, integratingphysical barriers with electronic surveillance systems.
The installation covers approximately 75 percent of the sensitive stretchesin the Chicken’s Neck area, with plans to complete the remaining portionssoon. BSF officials have emphasised cooperation with local communities toprevent border crimes, including cattle smuggling, which has seen a declinein recent months. Data from 2025 indicates seizures of contraband worthover 85 crore rupees along the India-Bangladesh border, underscoringongoing challenges despite improved infrastructure.
Geopolitical analysts point to the timing of these upgrades amid evolvingregional dynamics. Bangladesh’s interim government under Muhammad Yunus haspursued closer ties with China, including infrastructure projects near theborder. Additionally, revived defence cooperation with Pakistan has fuelledIndian apprehensions. The corridor’s proximity to China’s Chumbi Valleyfurther amplifies its strategic importance, as any adversarial action couldexploit this narrow linkage.
Complementing the fencing, the Indian Army has established three newgarrisons along the Indo-Bangladesh frontier in late 2025, located inAssam, Bihar, and West Bengal. These bases aim to improve rapid responsecapabilities and coordination with the BSF. Discussions are underway for apotential fourth garrison in Mizoram, forming a protective arc around thecorridor to counter emerging threats from state and non-state actors.
Border crime statistics reveal a mixed picture. While infiltration attemptshave decreased due to technological interventions, incidents of smugglingpersist in unfenced or riverine areas. The BSF’s North Bengal Frontier hasreported replacing old fencing with new systems, backed by surveillanceequipment. Officials maintain cordial relations with Bangladesh’s BorderGuard, facilitating joint patrols and flag meetings to resolve minordisputes.
Experts argue that these fortifications reflect a shift towards layereddefence in the eastern sector. The integration of air defence assets,including Rafale jets and BrahMos missiles under the Trishakti Corps, addsdepth to the security apparatus. However, challenges remain, includingobjections from Bangladesh on certain fencing alignments and environmentalfactors in flood-prone regions.
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The Siliguri Corridor’s vulnerability has historical precedents, with pastconflicts highlighting its criticality. Current upgrades, combiningphysical and technological barriers, aim to mitigate risks in anincreasingly complex neighbourhood. As regional alliances evolve, India’sproactive measures underscore the corridor’s enduring role as ageopolitical flashpoint.
In summary, the deployment of advanced fencing and surveillance in theChicken’s Neck represents a robust response to contemporary securityimperatives, ensuring the uninterrupted connectivity of India’snortheastern region.
Source:https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/bsf-secures-chickens-neck-with-new-design-fencing-amid-unrest-in-bdesh/
Tags: Siliguri Corridor, Chicken’s Neck, Border Security Force,India-Bangladesh Border
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