Centre Allocates ₹330 Cr for Road Expansion Project in Kalimpong

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista emphasized that the project would not only strengthen highway connectivity in Kalimpong but also ensure smoother, congestion-free travel for both locals and tourists.

SNS, SILIGURI, 9 MARCH 2025 : In a significant step to enhance road connectivity in Kalimpong district of West Bengal, the central government has allocated ₹330 crore rupees for the expansion and widening of the road between Pedong and Lava. The project, which aims to upgrade the existing carriageway into a 2-lane road with paved shoulders, is expected to bring relief to the region's residents and travelers, who have long faced traffic congestion and infrastructural challenges. 

The National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the "Widening and up-gradation of the existing carriageway into a 2-lane road with paved shoulders from Lava More to Start of Pedong Bypass along NH 717A". The project will be executed under the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode and is slated for completion within two and a half years once construction begins.

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista expressed his gratitude for the allocation, highlighting the critical need for improved infrastructure in the region.

"The people of Pedong, Lava and the surrounding areas, which have endured significant hardships, especially during the monsoon season when NH-10 was shut down.

The increased traffic on narrow roads led to massive congestion and inconvenience for locals and travellers alike, " Bista stated.

He emphasised that the project will not only strengthen highway connectivity in Kalimpong district but also ensure smoother, congestion free travel for both locals and tourists.

The project comes as response to the growing traffic pressure on the regions roads, particularly after the closure of NH-10, which diverted a majority of Sikkim bound traffic through Lava and Pedong.

The upgraded road is expected to alleviate these issues, providing a more efficient and safer route to commuters.

Mr. Bista also expressed optimism about the broader development of the region, stating, "One by one, the development gaps of our region are being addressed. I assure the people that, in a similar manner, all social and political issues confronting our region will also be resolved."

The initiative marks a significant step toward improving infrastructure in the Himalayan region, promising to boost local connectivity, tourism, and economic activity while addressing long standing transportation challenges.