GTA all set to better Darjeeling traffic system

MP |  6 Nov 2017, Darjeeling: The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration is all set to streamline the traffic system of the Darjeeling town. \

Incidentally, traffic coupled with parking problems have become a major issue in the Hills. The GTA Board of Administrators after taking charge has decided to work on improvement of civic amenities. 

Binay Tamang, the Chairman, Board of Administrators, GTA on Monday held a meeting with stakeholders including police and taxi syndicates at the GTA Secretariat in Darjeeling.

"The meeting was attended by the police, GTA representatives and 51 motor syndicates. We had had an administrative meeting earlier on the issue," added Tamang. 

The Chairman stated that by the end of this month, two GTA parking facilities that have been completed will become functional. 

"By the end of this month, we will open up the two parking facilities in Darjeeling town. The one built near the railway station can accommodate 120 vehicles and the other in front of the Darjeeling Government College can accommodate 251 vehicles," added Tamang.

Vehicle, specially taxi stoppages will be marked from Jorebungalow to Lebong, the 12 km main thoroughfare of the town. 

A ground trial will be conducted to earmark the shortcomings. There will be another meeting to finalise the decisions. 

From January 1, 2018, toll tax will be lifted from the Rohini Road. "It is unnecessary burden on the public. We have seen that the annual maintenance cost for this road is Rs 2 crore whereas the agency is paying Rs 40 lakh only to the GTA. The 9 km stretch of the road for which toll tax is being paid is not even a 4-lane highway, so there is no point in collecting toll," remarked Tamang.

The GTA has also invited proposals from the taxi syndicates regarding parking fees. "It can be on a daily or a monthly basis. Once we get the proposal we will decide the amount," added Tamang.

(Source & Courtesy : http://www.millenniumpost.in/kolkata/gta-all-set-to-better-darjeeling-traffic-system-269884)