GANGTOK,: Darjeeling MP Raju Bista on Wednesday met Union Road, Transport
& Highways minister Nitin Gadkari with a request to expedite various
highway infrastructure projects that are crucial for improving connectivity and
boosting development in Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars region.
At
the meeting, the Darjeeling MP presented to the Union minister a detailed
request to expedite key projects in Darjeeling-Terai-Dooars region which
includes an alternative highway to Darjeeling and a new highway connecting
Darjeeling to Teesta.
In
addition, Bista also placed request for the construction of ropeways in Darjeeling
region under the Parvatmala Projects to ensure sustainable transportation
alternative for the people. This will also create better accessibility to
remote areas in the region, ensuring smoother transportation for the residents,
he said.
The
ropeway requests were Bijanbari to Darjeeling town; Kagey, Lingsey and
Lingseykha; Lebong to Chowrasta/Tungsung;
Pudung to Aloobari Tar; Samthar to Nazok; Batasey to Rock Garden; Mineral
Spring to Teesta – Darjeeling District; Dhootery T.E to Rungbull; and extending
Singmari ropeway from Tukvar to Singla.
The
Darjeeling MP expressed his gratitude to Gadkari who gave instructions to the
concerned authorities for taking up these issues.
Further,
the Union minister assured that all the requests made by the Darjeeling MP
towards improving the highway road network and ropeway requests across our
Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars region will be taken up on a priority basis.
These projects, once completed, will not only improve connectivity but will also create new economic opportunities, benefit local businesses, and provide a significant boost to the quality of life for the people of this beautiful region, said Bista.
Road projects sought
Alternative Highway to Darjeeling via Balason and Ghoom: A new route connecting Darjeeling and Siliguri, which would ease the current traffic congestion and offer a safer, more efficient alternative for travelers. It will also help connect the entire lower belt of Kurseong, Mirik, Sonada, Rangbull, Dhotrey-Pussumbing, Sukhia Pokhari and Pokhrebong valley to the highway network.
Siliguri Ring Road: A much-needed project to ease the growing traffic in and around Siliguri city, facilitating better connectivity and improving the overall traffic management in the region.
New Highway Connecting Darjeeling to Teesta via Lebong and Dabai Pani: A vital project aimed at providing additional connectivity to and from Darjeeling via Teesta, which will not only improve travel but also foster better economic opportunities for the local population.
Expansion of NH-55 and Handover to NHIDCL: A long-overdue expansion of the vital National Highway 55, coupled with the handover of its maintenance and development to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), to ensure timely completion and better upkeep.
Expediting Final Clearance for
New Bridge in Addition to Coronation Bridge: The addition of a new bridge to complement the
Coronation Bridge, and ensure safety of the travelers.
