Rs 1,400 Crore Approved for Siliguri's Elevated Corridor, Boosting Regional Connectivity

KalimNews, Siliguri, January 8,2025 : The Central government has approved a ₹1,400 crore grant for the construction of a 14-km-long elevated corridor connecting Sevoke Cantonment to Sevoke Bazar. This project, expected to be completed within three years, aims to enhance infrastructure, reduce traffic congestion, and improve connectivity in North Bengal.

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, who announced the sanction, emphasized that the elevated corridor would significantly cut travel time between Siliguri, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Sikkim, and the Dooars region, benefiting both residents and tourists. He described the project as a fulfillment of his vision to provide world-class infrastructure and ease the frequent traffic snarls caused by railway level crossings at Sevoke.

Bista further highlighted his efforts in advocating for the upgrade of NH 10, which is critical for the region's connectivity and national security. The elevated corridor will also make the scenic Sevoke area more accessible, potentially boosting local tourism and businesses.

In addition, Bista shared on his Facebook page that he is actively pursuing the completion of several key infrastructure projects. These include an alternative to Coronation Bridge, the Siliguri Ring Road, a new highway connecting Siliguri to Darjeeling via Balason and Ghoom, and another highway connecting Darjeeling town to Teesta via Dabai Pani. He is also working on connecting Bijanbari to this new alternative highway, which will greatly reduce travel time between Bijanbari, the Rimbick-Lodhoma region, and Siliguri.

Bista assured the public that significant progress has been made on these initiatives, with positive updates expected soon. He also extended his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for prioritizing the region's development.