Dibrugarh, Apr 12: A top retired Indian Army general, Rana Pratap Kalita, on Sunday underscored the strategic vulnerability of the Siliguri Corridor while asserting that Assam is well-prepared to meet peak summer electricity demand.
Delivering a wide-ranging address in Dibrugarh, Kalita described the Siliguri Corridor—often referred to as the “Chicken’s Neck”—as a critical lifeline connecting mainland India to the Northeast, carrying vital road, rail, power and digital infrastructure.
He flagged heightened concerns over China’s expanding infrastructure activities in the region, noting that Indian security agencies, including the Army and intelligence units, have stepped up surveillance and preparedness along the corridor.
While ruling out the likelihood of an immediate conventional military conflict, Kalita warned of growing hybrid threats, including attempts by external forces to exploit local vulnerabilities and extremist networks.
He said the government is pursuing a dual strategy—strengthening core infrastructure in the corridor while simultaneously building alternative routes and redundancy systems to ensure uninterrupted connectivity during crises.
On global developments, Kalita pointed to the geopolitical sensitivity of the Persian Gulf, which accounts for a significant share of global oil exports. He welcomed a recent 15-day ceasefire between warring parties as a positive, though temporary, step toward stability, stressing that sustained diplomatic engagement remains crucial.
Shifting focus to Assam’s energy preparedness, Kalita said the state is equipped to handle peak summer demand, which has previously touched around 2,800 MW. He noted that Assam Power Distribution Company Limited has secured adequate supply through competitive power purchase agreements, supported by India’s integrated national grid.
He added that the Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited currently contributes less than 20% of the state’s electricity needs, with the rest sourced externally, while renewable energy—particularly rooftop solar—is playing an increasingly important role.
On the Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project, Kalita said Assam has the option to procure power from NHPC Limited, though final decisions will depend on tariff competitiveness and reliability, given the project’s long gestation period.
Kalita emphasised that while the Siliguri Corridor remains a top strategic priority, hybrid threats currently pose a more immediate challenge than direct military confrontation.
He emphasised that Assam’s resilience lies in a balanced approach—strengthening security at critical chokepoints while ensuring energy stability through diversified sourcing and infrastructure readiness.
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