GANGTOK: The Union government has approved allocation of Rs. 770.25 crore for
widening and upgradation on NH-717A to a two-lane highway with paved shoulders
in West Bengal and Sikkim.
Darjeeling
MP Raju Bista welcomed this fund allocation as shared by Union Road, Transport
and Highways minister Nitin Gadkari.
The
project covers 18.42 km from Lavamore to the start of Pedong Bypass and
includes critical slope protection works along the Bagrakot-Kafer stretch in
Kalimpong, and 5.297 km from Reshi to Rhenock in Sikkim.
Gadkari
further shared that, “As a climate-resilient alternative to NH-10-often
disrupted during monsoons-the upgraded corridor will employ advanced
technologies like Self Drilling Anchors and Gabion structures. This initiative
will significantly enhance regional connectivity, facilitate all-weather
access, and boost tourism and socio-economic development.”
In
his media statement, the Darjeeling MP said that under the leadership of Prime
Minister Narendra Modi and Union Road, Transport & Highways minister Nitin
Gadkari, the development of highway network across Darjeeling hills, Terai and
Dooars region is moving at a rocket-pace.
“During
my visits to NH-717A in the past, my attention had been drawn to the fact that
during the DPR preparation, slope stabilization and protection had not been
factored in. I had requested the Union minister for his kind intervention, as
unstable slopes can cause landslides, soil erosion and posing grave safety risk
to the people,” said Bista.
Bista
visited NH-717A on Saturday, adding that it is going to be one of the most
beautiful, green and picturesque highways in India. This will give a massive
boost to tourism, trade, commerce and regional transportation, he said.
