The central government has allocated Rs 20 billion (bn) for the construction of a 31.02 km four?lane highway through the Siliguri Corridor, designated as National Highway 327. The route will run parallel to a section of National Highway 27 and is planned to connect Bagdogra to Galgalia in Bihar via Panitanki and Kharibari. The transport ministry said that Rs 20.7718 bn had been approved for the project. The corridor, known as the Chicken's Neck, spans about 60 km and narrows to roughly 20 to 22 km at its tightest point between Nepal and Bangladesh, near China and Bhutan. The new alignment will maintain a separation of 20 km to 30 km from NH27 and will provide an alternative route for civilian and strategic movement. Officials said the road is vital for both external and internal security. The project will include three major bridges, one road overbridge, five elephant underpasses and service roads on both sides of the carriageway. Planners expect four?laning to ease congestion in Bagdogra, Naxalbari, Kharibari and Panitanki and to improve access to Bagdogra airport and other regional centres. They said the upgrade will speed the movement of agricultural, horticultural, tea and other local produce to larger markets. Recent infrastructure moves in the region include a proposed high?speed rail link to New Jalpaiguri and a 35 km underground rail section near Siliguri, and authorities have approved additional track capacity. Plans are also under way to upgrade Bagdogra airport and to introduce commercial flights to Hasimara in Alipurduar district, which hosts an air force station. Officials described the highway as part of an effort to bolster connectivity and strategic resilience. Forest authorities had sought dedicated elephant passages in sections that see frequent crossings during the paddy harvesting season, and they said the five underpasses ought to reduce the risk to animals. Local representatives welcomed the scheme and said it would strengthen north Bengal's economic infrastructure while supporting the movement of goods and people between eastern and northeastern India. Project timelines and contractor appointments have yet to be announced.