The Government of India has dismissed viral claims circulating on social media that suggest a new Union Territory may be created by combining districts from Bihar and West Bengal near the strategically significant Siliguri Corridor.
In a clarification issued on social media, the Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check unit said the claim is completely false and not based on any official proposal.
The clarification came after several posts online alleged that the Centre was considering reorganising districts around the Siliguri Corridor to form a new Union Territory.
“Social media posts are claiming that the Government is planning to create a new Union Territory comprising districts from Bihar and West Bengal near the Siliguri corridor,” the PIB Fact Check unit said in a post. It added that the claim is “fake” and that no such proposal is under consideration by the Government of India.
🚨 Fake News Alert
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) March 7, 2026
Social media posts are claiming that the Government is planning to create a new Union Territory comprising districts from Bihar and West Bengal near the Siliguri corridor.#PIBFactCheck
❌ This claim is #Fake
✅There is no such proposal under consideration… pic.twitter.com/jv8Fi9RKnF
Rumour triggers discussions online
The rumour had triggered discussions online due to the strategic importance of the Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the “Chicken’s Neck.”
The narrow land stretch in northern West Bengal connects mainland India to the northeastern states and is considered vital for national security and connectivity.
Speculation about administrative restructuring in this sensitive region has periodically surfaced on social media, especially during times of heightened political debate or regional tensions.
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However, officials clarified that the current viral claim has no basis in fact. The clarification comes amid increasing concerns about the spread of misinformation on social media platforms, particularly regarding issues related to governance, national security and administrative decisions.
Crucial economic, transportation and military link
The Siliguri Corridor, often called India’s 'Chicken’s Neck', is a narrow land passage located in northern West Bengal near the city of Siliguri.
At its narrowest point, the corridor is about 20 to 22 kilometre wide and stretches around 60 kilometre long. Even with its limited width, it is extremely important for the country in terms of strategy and logistics.
The corridor is the only land route connecting mainland India to its eight northeastern states: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Sikkim. This makes it a crucial economic, transportation, and military link for over 45 million people living in the region.
