Six footbridges in Kalimpong

KalimNews, Kalimpong: Six footbridges are being erected in Kalimpong town. These footbridges will be built to connect schools and Hatbazar with the town. Kalimpong Municipality will construct these footbridges to curb road accidents and to address the problem of traffic jam. The State government will finance this construction work. DPR is being prepared. Last phase of survey work is being conducted in this hill town. According to municipal and police authorities, after commissioning of these footbridges, speed of traffic will increase in narrow roads of the hill. Mr. Rabin Pradhan, Chairman of Kalimpong Municipality said, "These footbridges will be constructed near the heart of the town. Six such footbridges will be constructed at present. Number of footbridges will increase in future. They will help to improve the traffic situation of the district. These will be tourists' attractions as well."

Kalimpong is one of the new districts of West Bengal. The Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee, during her visit in this district paid importance to improvement of infrastructure and service here. She directed the authorities to restructure the system of drinking water, sewage and road. Works in that direction have already been started. These footbridges will be constructed as a part of such schemes.

Planning and designing works of these footbridges are being done by architect Kiran Rasaily. He constructed footbridges in Gangtok, capital city of Sikkim in the year 1987. He has constructed many more footbridges in hilly roads. As those were very helpful to improve traffic situation, Mr. Rasaily has been requested to prepare plan and design these footbridges. He had visited various places in Kalimpong town and has selected sites. "These footbridges will help to improve traffic situation. Movement of passersby will not stop cars", he says.

Sources from Kalimpong Municipality informed that these footbridges will be constructed at Domber Chowk, C. K. Chowk, Thanadara, Girls' School, Hatbazar and Municipal office areas. Nearby schools also will be joined with these footbridges.(Source: Kalimpong Municipality)