Attention has once again turned to the "Chicken's Neck," the narrow Siliguri Corridor that connects the northeast to mainland India, with the construction of three new military garrisons and an air power demonstration by the Indian Air Force in Guwahati.

Given the constantly changing dynamics between China and India, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India's increased military presence along the eastern frontier is seen as a strategic response to the Chinese construction of missile silos and fortified villages along the border.

The Siliguri Corridor, which runs through West Bengal and borders Bangladesh, Nepal, Chumbi valley in China's Tibet and the Kingdom of Bhutan, is 17 km wide at its narrowest point.

As the sole link between India and its eight northeastern states, the Siliguri corridors, which stretch from West Bengal's Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Terai regions towards the northeast, are strategically and delicately significant.

Beijing is reportedly constructing at least two fortified air defence installations in the Tibet Autonomous Region, according to recent reports supported by satellite imagery and analysis from Planet Labs, a commercial geospatial intelligence company.

Retractable roof shelters, designed to hide missile launch systems, are being incorporated into the structures. By allowing missile launches from inside the shelters, the system offers considerable defence against detection and possible enemy attacks.

China's support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor has further raised concerns among defense planners. Speaking to the media, Lieutenant General Rahul R. Singh, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development and Sustenance), noted that the China–Pakistan defence partnership has advanced beyond traditional arms transfers.

He expressed concern that Beijing appears to be using its close relationship with Islamabad as a testing ground for new technologies, including sophisticated weapon platforms and surveillance systems, in real-world combat situations.

"We had one border and two adversaries. Pakistan was in the front. China was providing all possible support. 81 per cent of the military hardware with Pakistan is Chinese.

"China is able to test its weapons against other weapons, so it's like a live lab available to them. When DGMO-level talks were on, Pakistan had the live updates of our important vectors, from China," he had said.

Army Chief General Upender Dwivedi recently described the corridor, often called India's chokepoint due to its critical strategic position, as the nation's "strongest defence corridor."

He remarked that the Indian armed forces view the Siliguri Corridor, or Chicken's Neck, through a different lens, emphasising that troops from West Bengal, Sikkim, and the Northeast can swiftly assemble in the region, in case of any attack from the North.

Already home to Rafale fighter jets, BrahMos missile regiments, and S-400 air defence systems, the area has also witnessed the establishment of three key military garrisons at Bamuni (near Dhubri, Assam), Kishanganj (Bihar), and Chopra (North Dinajpur, West Bengal).

The Lachit Barphukan Military Station, a significant facility in Bamuni, Assam, will function under the 4 Corps (Gajraj Corps), based in Tezpur. The base will function as a centre for technical intelligence, area control, surveillance, and counter-infiltration activities.

To improve connectivity and operational preparedness in the area, two additional forward bases are also being built. Quick troop deployment and logistical support will be made possible by the Kishanganj base in Bihar, which is situated in the middle of the corridor.

The Brahmastra Corps' Chopra base in North Dinajpur, West Bengal, is tasked with coordinating intelligence and responding quickly along the border.

After reviewing troop deployments at Chopra, Eastern Army Commander Lieutenant General R.C. Tiwari laid the cornerstone of the Bamuni station on November 7.

These garrisons are anticipated to improve coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF) and bridge vital gaps along the 4,096-kilometer India-Bangladesh border, strengthening India's defence posture in the east.

Highlighting the importance of military presence in the area as a strong message to India's adversaries, post the IAF display at Guwahati, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted on X.

"Thank You, Guwahati, for turning out in full strength to witness the spectacular @IAF_MCC #FlyingDisplay2025! The North East's first ever air show was indeed a breathtaking show of strength, skill & spirit. Your overwhelming support for Bharat's Air Warriors - so close to the Chicken Neck and four international borders - will give sleepless nights to enemies inside and outside the country."

In addition to its military significance, the Siliguri Corridor is an essential route for trade, transportation, and regional development.

The corridor facilitates the movement of people, goods, and military assets by serving as the anchor for an intricate rail and road network that connects West Bengal to Assam, Nagaland, Sikkim, and other northeastern states.

Besides, it serves as the foundation for the railway network that backs up India's strategically located military installations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Numerous routes branch out to important locations from the New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station, a crucial intersection in North Bengal. There is one main line that leads to Guwahati in Assam, from which a road system leads to the strategically significant town of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, which is near the Chinese border.