Darjeeling MP Raju Bista on Sunday conducted a detailed inspection of the ongoing construction of the 35-km Chalsa–Jaldhaka Bindu Barrage Road, a strategically important project being executed by the 764 Border Roads Task Force.
The Central government has allocated over ₹200 crore for the project, which, once completed, is expected to significantly improve connectivity between remote border areas and the national highway network.
The project Is being implemented in four phases. The first phase, connecting Khunia More to Kumani More over a stretch of 11.86 km, has already been completed. The second phase, linking Kumani More to Gairibas across 9 km, was inaugurated on 7 December 2025 by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
However, the third and fourth phases—connecting Gairibas to Paren (6 km) and Paren to the Bindu Barrage (8 km), respectively—are pending due to forest clearance and land-related formalities.
During the inspection, Mr Bista discussed the pending issues with officials from the Forest Department and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). He said the authorities have assured him that the clearance process is being expedited to ensure the project proceeds without undue delay.
The MP expressed his gratitude to Brigadier Amit Sakhre, Chief Engineer of Project Swastik under the BRO, along with all officers and jawans involved in the project, particularly for their efforts in challenging terrain.
According to Mr Bista, the road will substantially benefit local residents by improving accessibility, while also strengthening border infrastructure and boosting tourism and economic activity across the Darjeeling Hills, Terai, Dooars, and North Bengal regions.