HM Amit Shah Unveils SSB Projects in Siliguri
Home Minister highlights Siliguri Corridor's strategic importance, border security and infrastructure expansion
- Amit Shah inaugurated and laid foundation stones for SSB projects worth ₹189 crore in Siliguri.
- He termed the Siliguri Corridor vital to India’s national security and stressed stronger border infrastructure.
- Shah said the Centre is building an impregnable security grid along the corridor and open borders.
- He also highlighted high-speed rail, Vibrant Villages Programme and full rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’.
GG News Bureau
Siliguri, 21st Aug: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for multiple Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) infrastructure projects in Siliguri, West Bengal, and interacted with security personnel, describing the strategically crucial Siliguri Corridor as central to India’s national security.
Speaking at the event, Shah said the Modi government is strengthening the corridor through a triangular security grid, as it connects eight northeastern states and shares borders with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. He said the Centre is committed to making the region “impregnable” from a security perspective.
The Home Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for projects worth ₹189 crore, including the administrative building of the SSB Frontier Headquarters in Siliguri, facilities for the 19th Battalion at Thakurganj, the 12th Battalion at Kishanganj and a transit camp at New Jalpaiguri. The projects are aimed at improving administrative and residential facilities for SSB personnel.
Highlighting the role of the SSB, Shah said the force has been entrusted under the “One Border, One Force” policy with guarding India’s unfenced borders with Nepal and Bhutan, calling it one of the country’s most challenging border security responsibilities. He praised SSB personnel for maintaining security while fostering cultural ties with neighbouring countries.
Referring to the 80th year of India’s Independence, Shah said the complete rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ was sung from the Red Fort for the first time after Parliament approved making the full national song part of official cultural programmes. He said the move would help instil patriotism among younger generations.
The Home Minister also called for stronger coordination between political leadership and border forces, stating that organisations such as the SSB, BSF and ITBP serve the nation beyond politics. He praised the West Bengal government for providing 1,129 acres of land to the BSF and SSB within 45 days, facilitating long-pending border infrastructure projects.
On connectivity, Shah said the Delhi-Siliguri high-speed rail corridor, approved in the Union Budget 2026-27, is expected to reduce travel time between Delhi and Siliguri to a few hours within the next two to three years. He also highlighted the ongoing redevelopment of Siliguri and Jalpaiguri railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Scheme.
Shah said the Vibrant Villages Programme is strengthening infrastructure and improving connectivity in border villages while fostering closer integration with local communities. He added that the Centre remains committed to building safe, secure and economically vibrant border regions.
During his address, the Home Minister also paid tributes to legendary shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh on their death anniversaries, recalling their contributions to Indian culture and public life.
