Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reviewed the security preparedness of the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, with senior officials from the Centre and West Bengal participating in discussions on strengthening security, infrastructure and border management in the region.
The high-level meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Army, Border Security Force, Sashastra Seema Bal and Railway Protection Force, along with the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police of West Bengal. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also attended the meeting.
A key presentation was made by the Multi Agency Centre’s Standing Focus Group on Siliguri Corridor, outlining the progress achieved so far and recommending additional measures to reinforce the security architecture around the corridor.
Shah also examined the status of major infrastructure projects being implemented in the region, particularly those considered important from a national security perspective. He called for pending works to be completed within defined timelines, stressing that infrastructure development and security preparedness must progress together.
The meeting also considered issues concerning foreign-linked activities, demographic shifts, illegal immigration and border management. Shah reiterated the Centre’s commitment to strengthening the Siliguri Corridor and ensuring that its security remains robust.
Emphasising a comprehensive approach to border management, the Home Minister called for the effective implementation of the government’s “quadrangular approach” to border security. He asked all agencies involved to work in close coordination and expand their operational presence across the corridor.
Shah directed agencies to establish more institutions and facilities in the region to increase their footprint. He also reviewed the protection of vital installations located along the corridor and instructed authorities to implement all necessary measures to safeguard critical assets.
The Home Minister further called for stronger action against encroachments and illegal immigration in the Siliguri Corridor. The directions underline the government’s focus on combining physical security, infrastructure development, institutional presence and effective border management.
During the meeting, Shah also suggested that the West Bengal government explore the possibility of establishing additional Sainik Schools in North Bengal. He also called for an increase in the number of senior-level NCC cadets in the region as part of efforts to strengthen youth engagement and national preparedness.
Shah urged the state government to further develop the Civil Defence and Home Guards network in the Siliguri Corridor. The measures discussed at the meeting reflect a broader effort to reinforce security coordination and institutional capacity in a region of critical strategic importance to India.