Shah inspects BSF outpost near Siliguri
On Saturday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the BSF’s 18th Battalion outpost near Siliguri to check security along the India-Bangladesh border. He was joined by senior Border Security Force (BSF) officials as he reviewed the facilities, surveillance equipment, and the readiness of personnel stationed in the North Bengal Frontier.
Shah spoke with the jawans, listened to the challenges they face, and checked the steps taken to stop infiltration, smuggling, and other cross-border threats.
The 18th Battalion, based in Kadamtala in the Siliguri sector, guards important parts of the India-Bangladesh border. The Siliguri Corridor, known as the “Chicken’s Neck,” is a narrow stretch linking mainland India to the eight Northeastern States. Because of its location, it is vital for national security.
If security is breached here, the Northeast could be cut off, and illegal activities could increase. Shah’s visit highlights the Government’s efforts to secure this area with fencing, technology, and more personnel.
During his visit, the Home Minister stressed the importance of staying alert and taking proactive steps. He praised the BSF for their hard work in guarding a difficult border. He also said the Government is committed to providing the BSF with what they need to modernise border management, including smart fencing, floodlights, CCTV cameras, drones, and real-time monitoring, as part of the “smart border” plan.
To help secure India’s border with Bangladesh, the West Bengal Government has handed over more than 1,024 acres of land in nine districts to the Border Security Force (BSF). This land will be used for fencing about 172.6 km of the international border. The transfer, completed quickly by the new State administration, will boost security in key areas, including the Siliguri Corridor.
These new land transfers add to earlier progress in northern Bengal. In May 2026, the State granted land, allowing fencing to begin in the Phansidewa area of Siliguri, initially covering about 27 km. More land was also provided for Border Outposts and other needed infrastructure.
Shah welcomed the handover of the Siliguri Corridor, which covers 121 hectares, calling it an important step for national security.
The Home Minister’s visit comes as border fencing projects in West Bengal are making good progress. After the new State Government took office, large areas of land were granted to the BSF for building fences and outposts. In the Siliguri subdivision, especially in Phansidewa, fencing has started after land was handed over. Similar work is happening in other districts, with over 1,000 acres given for almost 173 km of new fencing.
These efforts are part of a bigger plan to close gaps along the 4,096-km India-Bangladesh border, which faces problems like illegal immigration, human trafficking, and smuggling.
Officials say that using technology alongside physical barriers has helped reduce unauthorised crossings in other areas. Security experts see Shah’s visit as a sign that the Government is taking a hands-on approach to border management. These visits help leaders understand the situation on the ground, raise morale, and improve coordination between the Central and State agencies.
As India works to make its borders more secure and modern, the Siliguri sector remains a top priority. The Home Minister’s review is likely to lead to further upgrades to the BSF’s infrastructure and operations here. “The visit underscores the importance of protecting India’s eastern borders as security challenges evolve. With fencing progressing and surveillance intensifying, the Government wants to build a strong, layered defence along the Bangladesh border,” a senior official said.
SECURITY-FENCING
- With fencing progressing and surveillance intensifying, the Government wants to build a strong, layered defence along the Bangladesh border
- These efforts are part of a bigger plan to close gaps along the 4,096-km India-Bangladesh border, which faces problems like illegal immigration, human trafficking, and smuggling
