In geopolitical discourse, the term “chicken neck” refers to narrow stretches of land that hold immense strategic significance. Both India and Bangladesh possess such regions — India’s Siliguri Corridor and Bangladesh’s Tetulia Corridor. Though similar in term, the weight they carry in regional stability, defense, and logistics is vastly different.
When comparing the two, India’s chicken neck stands not just as a geographical bottleneck but as a muscular artery of connectivity, while Bangladesh’s counterpart remains fragile and far more vulnerable in comparison.
India’s Siliguri Corridor: The Resilient Lifeline
India’s Siliguri Corridor, also dubbed the “Chicken’s Neck,” is a 22–24 km wide land stretch connecting the northeastern states to the rest of India. Despite its narrowness, it is fortified, heavily monitored, and under continuous infrastructure development.
- Strategic Fortification: India has invested deeply in military presence, border roads, and surveillance in this corridor. The terrain is tightly controlled by the Indian Armed Forces, ensuring minimal risk of blockade.
- Infrastructure Boom: Massive investment in railways, highways, and tunnels has made the Siliguri Corridor increasingly robust. In times of natural disasters or geopolitical tensions, alternative supply lines are always being prepared.
- Geopolitical Weight: Its importance is not just national but regional. It serves as a crucial connector for Bhutan, Nepal, and even trade with Southeast Asia.
Bangladesh’s Tetulia Corridor: A Fragile Thread
In contrast, the chicken neck of Bangladesh — especially the region near Tetulia in Panchagarh District — lacks the same level of robustness or strategic depth.
- Limited Control: The terrain is flatter and more porous, often making it vulnerable to cross-border movements and smuggling.
- Infrastructural Gaps: Compared to India, Bangladesh’s development in its narrow corridors is significantly slower. Limited military presence and fewer logistical reinforcements add to the delicacy.
- Geopolitical Dependence: Unlike India, which maintains autonomous control, Bangladesh remains dependent on neighboring countries — including India — for access and support in crisis situations.
The Bigger Picture: A Matter of Strength and Sovereignty
India’s chicken neck may seem like a vulnerability at first glance, but it has been transformed into a backbone of resilience through planning, strength, and strategic foresight. Bangladesh’s equivalent, while present on the map, remains fragile — a delicate thread that needs far more attention and independence to match India’s level.
In this comparison, India not only demonstrates superior control and strength over its strategic corridors but also proves its capacity to turn geographic constraints into national advantages.
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