GANGTOK,: The Centre has allocated Rs. 1190 crore for the construction of a
new bridge in addition to Coronation Bridge, which serves as a vital link
between Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Sikkim, Siliguri and the Dooars region, informed
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista.
Along
with the approach road, the total project will be 6.85 km long, and will
connect Sevoke in Darjeeling to Ellenbari, said Bista in a Friday press
statement.
The
Darjeeling MP, during the ongoing Parliament session, had asked a question
regarding the status of the Coronation Bridge alternative, and if there were
any continuing impediments.
In
response, Union Road, Transport and Highways minister Nitin Gadkari stated: “The
Detailed Project Report (DPR) for construction of additional bridge on NH-17
over river Teesta in the State of West Bengal is under finalisation for sanction
of the project.”
The
Union minister added: “Tentative project cost of the proposed bridge is
Rs.1190.40 crore. Completion period shall be 36 months from the date of
commencement of the project. The implementation of the project will commence
after its approval by the competent authority.”
Bista,
in his press statement, shared that the Coronation Bridge which was built in
1937 is in a state of disrepair. Even after significant damages to the bridge
caused by the massive earthquakes that shook our Himalayan region in 2011 and
2015, no effective steps have been taken by the West Bengal Public Welfare
Department (WB-PWD) to address its deterioration, he said.
“This
is why, the construction of an alternative to the Coronation Bridge has always
been a key priority for our region, as it represents much-needed modernisation
and upgrading of our transport infrastructure. Upon completion, this new bridge
will reduce the distance by 14km and significantly reduce the travel time
between Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Sikkim, Siliguri, and the Dooars, Jalpaiguri,
Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, and the rest of Northeast India. Moreover, this
strategic project will bolster vital infrastructure in the critical ‘Chicken
Neck’ region,” said the Darjeeling MP.
Bista
extended his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union
Minister Nitin Gadkari for giving top priority towards the developmental of
Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars region.
