DARJEELING, : The Central government has sanctioned Rs. 1,400 crores for the construction of a 14-km long elevated corridor connecting Sevoke Cantonment with Sevoke Bazaar, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista said today.
"This project will be completed in the next three years, and will add another milestone in the development of our region. This dream project of the people of our region fulfils another vision of mine which aims to provide world class infrastructure, improve connectivity and ease traffic congestion in our region," said Bista in a press release. He added that the elevated corridor will reduce travel time, and provide a hassle free travel benefiting both residents and tourists alike.
Bista maintained that the corridor will enable the people traveling to Siliguri from Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Sikkim or Dooars and vice-versa, who had to face regular traffic snarls because of the railway level crossing at Sevoke, to enjoy a seamless journey.
"In May 2023, I had requested Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India Nitin Gadkari to expedite the projects concerning upgradation of NH 10, which is a lifeline for the border regions of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Dooars and Sikkim. I had informed him about the problems faced by the people who travel using NH10, and its significance from the national security perspective," said Bista adding that he was grateful that the project has been given the green light within a year.
"The construction of this corridor will be a significant step towards ensuring smoother transportation, supporting economic growth, and promoting tourism in the area. With the completion of this project, the scenic beauty of Sevoke, known for its natural landscapes, will become even more accessible to travellers, helping to boost local businesses and create new tourism opportunities in the region,” he said.
In the release, the Darjeeling MP maintained that he was also pursuing an alternative to Coronation Bridge, Siliguri Ring Road project, an alternative highway connecting Siliguri with Darjeeling via Balason and Ghoom, and a new highway connecting Darjeeling with Teesta via Dabai Pani.
“I am also pursuing connecting Bijanbari to this new alternative highway, which will greatly help reduce the travel time between Bijanbari, and Rimbick-Lodhoma region to Siliguri. I assure the people, that significant progress have been made in this regards, and we will get to hear positive news concerning these soon,” Bista said.
