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.