DARJEELING, : The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has decided to form a committee to address transport and traffic issues in the hills.
GTA chief executive AnitThapa, after a meeting with various taxi syndicates and stakeholders, stated: “Traffic problems escalate when the tourist season begins, so we want a systematic approach. Representatives from concerned departments participated in today’s meeting and it was decided that a committee would be formed with a notification to be issued today itself.”
The committee will include Municipality chairman, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Regional Transport Officer (RTO), traffic police representatives and members of various taxi organizations. It will oversee matters such as vehicle permits, parking spaces and overall traffic management.
Thapa also mentioned that a long-term parking solution is needed for which proposals have been sent to the State government.
Himalayan Transport Coordination Committee (HTCC) president Pasang Sherpa welcomed the move, stating, “We have long been requesting the formation of a traffic advisory committee. We hope that today’s discussions will lead to practical solutions.”
NirmalChettri from Siliguri Darjeeling Taxi Driver Association raised concerns about large State-run buses causing congestion on narrow hill roads. He suggested reducing their frequency rather than banning them entirely.
In response, Thapa assured that efforts would be made to introduce smaller buses before the tourist season and regulate the timing of State-run buses.