In a major boost to infrastructure in the hills, the ministry of road transport and highways, under minister Nitin Gadkari, has initiated the preparation of a detailed project report (DPR) for an alternative highway to Darjeeling via Lebong, Dabai Pani, and Teesta.
File photo of Nitin Gadkari
In a major boost to infrastructure in the hills, the ministry of road transport and highways, under minister Nitin Gadkari, has initiated the preparation of a detailed project report (DPR) for an alternative highway to Darjeeling via Lebong, Dabai Pani, and Teesta.
Welcoming the move, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista expressed his gratitude to Mr Gadkari, calling it a significant step forward for the people of the region.
Advertisement
In a fresh appeal, Mr Bista has once again urged the ministry to consider another alternative route connecting Darjeeling and Siliguri, citing severe congestion on national highway 110 (formerly NH-55), a road built during the British era.
Advertisement
The proposed alignment—Siliguri to Orali (near Dudhey, Lower Balason region), Balason, Dhotrey, Pussumbeng, Ghoom to Darjeeling— is expected to decongest existing routes and improve connectivity for several hill areas, including Kurseong (lower belt), Mirik, Sonada, Rangbull, Dhotrey-Pussumbeng valley, Sukhia Pokhari, and Pokhriabong valley, he said.
Mr Bista added that his request is supported by several non-political organisations from the region. He has also appealed to the NHIDCL to conduct a feasibility and alignment study for the proposed route.
Additionally, the Darjeeling MP has proposed the development of a ropeway between Ghoom and Darjeeling under the Parvat Mala Project, aiming to ease traffic congestion, promote eco-friendly transit, and improve last-mile connectivity.
“I am hopeful that with the Ministry’s support, work on these projects will begin soon. The people of the Darjeeling-Siliguri region are fully committed to supporting these much-needed infrastructure developments,” Mr. Bista said.
Advertisement
