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What is Siliguri Corridor? - UPSC Defence And Security
What is What is Siliguri Corridor? in UPSC Defence And Security?
What is Siliguri Corridor? is a key topic under Defence And Security for UPSC Civil Services Examination. Key points include: The Siliguri Corridor is a narrow 60 km long, 17-22 km wide land stretch in West Bengal.. It is known as the 'Chicken Neck' due to its constricted shape, making it a strategic choke point.. It is the sole land bridge connecting India's Northeast to the rest of the country.. Understanding this topic is essential for both UPSC Prelims and Mains preparation.
Why is What is Siliguri Corridor? important for UPSC exam?
What is Siliguri Corridor? is a Medium-level topic in UPSC Defence And Security. It is tested in both Prelims (factual MCQs) and Mains (analytical answer writing). Previous year UPSC questions have frequently covered aspects of What is Siliguri Corridor?, making it essential for comprehensive IAS preparation.
How to prepare What is Siliguri Corridor? for UPSC?
To prepare What is Siliguri Corridor? for UPSC: (1) Study the comprehensive notes covering all key concepts on Vaidra. (2) Practice previous year questions on this topic. (3) Connect it with current affairs using daily updates. (4) Revise using key takeaways and mind maps available for Defence And Security. (5) Write practice answers linking What is Siliguri Corridor? to related GS Paper topics.
Key takeaways of What is Siliguri Corridor? for UPSC
- The Siliguri Corridor is a narrow 60 km long, 17-22 km wide land stretch in West Bengal.
- It is known as the 'Chicken Neck' due to its constricted shape, making it a strategic choke point.
- It is the sole land bridge connecting India's Northeast to the rest of the country.
- Bordered by Nepal and Bangladesh, its vulnerability is a major national security concern for India.
- It is vital for military logistics, essential supplies, and economic development of the Northeast.
- Its strategic importance influences India's Act East Policy and border infrastructure development.
What is Siliguri Corridor?
Medium⏱️ 6 min read
defence and security
📖 Introduction
What is the Siliguri Corridor?
The Siliguri Corridor is a strategically vital, narrow stretch of land located in the Indian state of West Bengal. It serves as a crucial link connecting India's northeastern states with the rest of the country.
This unique geographical feature is often referred to as the ‘Chicken Neck’. This moniker aptly describes its distinctive, constricted shape, resembling the neck of a chicken.
Key Dimensions:
- Length: Approximately 60 km
- Width: Varies between 17–22 km at its narrowest points
The Siliguri Corridor is bordered by Nepal to the north and Bangladesh to the south. Its extreme narrowness makes it a highly sensitive geopolitical zone.
Strategic Significance of the 'Chicken Neck'
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 Northeast Region.
UPSC Insight: Understanding the Siliguri Corridor's geography and its 'Chicken Neck' vulnerability is critical for questions on India's border management, geopolitics of South Asia, and internal security challenges (GS Paper 2 & 3).
💡 Key Takeaways
- •The Siliguri Corridor is a narrow 60 km long, 17-22 km wide land stretch in West Bengal.
- •It is known as the 'Chicken Neck' due to its constricted shape, making it a strategic choke point.
- •It is the sole land bridge connecting India's Northeast to the rest of the country.
- •Bordered by Nepal and Bangladesh, its vulnerability is a major national security concern for India.
- •It is vital for military logistics, essential supplies, and economic development of the Northeast.
- •Its strategic importance influences India's Act East Policy and border infrastructure development.
🧠 Memory Techniques
95% Verified Content
📚 Reference Sources
•General geographical and geopolitical knowledge of the region