A transformative infrastructure leap is on the horizon for Northeast India, with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma celebrating the proposed underground rail tunnel via the Siliguri Corridor. In a strongly worded social media update, Sarma labeled it a ‘game-changing’ move that will solidify links between the region and the country’s heartland.
The Chicken’s Neck, or Siliguri Corridor, has historically bottlenecked connectivity, making the Northeast vulnerable to isolation from disasters or disruptions. Sarma’s endorsement comes amid growing calls for diversified routes to ensure uninterrupted passenger and freight flow.
‘Grateful to PM Narendra Modi for this visionary idea,’ Sarma wrote on X. The tunnel, he noted, will create a reliable underground passage, enhancing strategic bonds and economic integration.
Over multiple addresses, the CM has spotlighted the corridor’s dual role as a logistical artery and national security hotspot. He advocates for modern solutions like tunnels to counter risks from over-reliance on one path, which could sever the Northeast during emergencies.
Experts predict the project will slash vulnerabilities by providing a weather-proof rail link. It promises to turbocharge regional commerce, boost tourism influx, and spur manufacturing through efficient material transport.
Echoing the government’s Act East ambitions, this tunnel fits into broader efforts like highway expansions and waterway developments. Political analysts see it as a masterstroke in balancing regional growth and national unity.
Assam anticipates a surge in developmental prospects, finally alleviating chronic worries over the corridor’s infrastructure deficits. This initiative not only fortifies connectivity but redefines the Northeast’s role in India’s growth narrative.