<h4>What is the Siliguri Corridor?</h4><p>The <strong>Siliguri Corridor</strong> is a strategically vital, narrow stretch of land located in the Indian state of <strong>West Bengal</strong>. It serves as a crucial link connecting India's northeastern states with the rest of the country.</p><p>This unique geographical feature is often referred to as the <strong>‘Chicken Neck’</strong>. This moniker aptly describes its distinctive, constricted shape, resembling the neck of a chicken.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Key Dimensions:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Length:</strong> Approximately <strong>60 km</strong></li><li><strong>Width:</strong> Varies between <strong>17–22 km</strong> at its narrowest points</li></ul></div><div class='key-point-box'><p>The <strong>Siliguri Corridor</strong> is bordered by <strong>Nepal</strong> to the north and <strong>Bangladesh</strong> to the south. Its extreme narrowness makes it a highly sensitive geopolitical zone.</p></div><h4>Strategic Significance of the 'Chicken Neck'</h4><p>The corridor's narrowness poses significant strategic challenges and opportunities for India. It is the sole land bridge for the movement of goods, people, and military forces to and from the <strong>Northeast Region</strong>.</p><div class='exam-tip-box'><p><strong>UPSC Insight:</strong> Understanding the <strong>Siliguri Corridor's</strong> geography and its 'Chicken Neck' vulnerability is critical for questions on <strong>India's border management</strong>, <strong>geopolitics of South Asia</strong>, and <strong>internal security challenges</strong> (GS Paper 2 & 3).</p></div>