Swapna Kumbar, Bengaluru - Union Home Minister Amit Shah has praised the West Bengal government for rapidly clearing land required for border security projects, stating that nearly 600 hectares were handed over to the Border Security Force within just seven days. Shah also revealed that an additional 121 hectares in the strategically important Chicken’s Neck corridor had been transferred to the Centre for security-related infrastructure and fencing work.

Speaking during an official event, Amit Shah said the swift transfer of land would help accelerate border fencing and strengthen security arrangements along sensitive stretches near the India-Bangladesh border. The Home Minister highlighted the importance of the Chicken’s Neck corridor — the narrow Siliguri Corridor that connects northeastern India with the rest of the country — calling it strategically vital for national security and connectivity. He emphasized that faster land clearance would improve border management, surveillance capabilities, and efforts to curb infiltration and smuggling activities in the region.

The remarks come amid continued political focus on border security and illegal immigration issues in eastern India. The BSF has been working to complete fencing projects across vulnerable border areas, particularly in West Bengal and Assam, where difficult terrain and land acquisition challenges have often slowed progress. Analysts say the latest land transfer could significantly speed up infrastructure development in one of India’s most sensitive strategic zones.

Amit Shah’s statement underscores the Centre’s growing emphasis on strengthening border infrastructure and securing critical corridors in eastern India. With fencing and surveillance projects expected to accelerate, the development is likely to remain a major political and strategic issue in the region.