Efforts to Strengthen Infrastructure in Darjeeling Hills and Sikkim Gain Momentum as MP Raju Bista Reviews Key Projects

KalimNews, Kolkata, November 26, 2025 : In a concerted push to enhance infrastructure and ensure year-round connectivity for the Darjeeling hills, Sikkim, and surrounding areas, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista has assured residents that significant progress is being made on critical infrastructure projects. During a multi-agency review meeting held in Kalimpong on November 26, 2025, Bista, alongside senior officials from the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), and Indian Railway Construction International Limited (IRCON), discussed ongoing projects aimed at bolstering regional connectivity.

The meeting focused on National Highways 10 and 717A, the Sevoke-Rangpo rail line, and various hydropower-related initiatives, all of which are vital to the region's economic stability and development. Bista, who has been actively advocating for better infrastructure in the area, acknowledged the severe impact of this year’s monsoon, which brought unprecedented rainfall and caused extensive damage to local roads, particularly NH-10. The road, a lifeline for Kalimpong, parts of Darjeeling, and Sikkim, has been hit by repeated landslides, disrupting transport and affecting local communities.

Bista explained that the reconstruction work on the most vulnerable section of NH-10 at Birik Dara, an area notorious for frequent landslides, is progressing rapidly. "The repair work is being conducted from the base up, and once completed, it will offer a long-term solution to the perennial landslide problem here,” he said. He further assured the public that the NHIDCL officials are working around the clock to complete the reconstruction before the next monsoon season.

Emphasising the strategic importance of NH-10 for both regional connectivity and national security, Bista urged all parties involved in the reconstruction to maintain a corruption-free approach. "This road is vital not only for the economic prosperity of our region but also for national security. Any reports of corruption or negligence will be dealt with severely,” he stressed.

Bista also provided updates on various other ongoing infrastructure projects. According to NHIDCL officials, tenders for upgrading and widening NH-10 have already been issued for several stretches, and slope stabilisation work is being carried out on a priority basis. In addition to the immediate repairs, a feasibility study is underway to assess the viability of a new Greenfield road alternative for NH-10, which could offer greater long-term resilience to the region’s road network.

During the review meeting, NHPC officials revealed that, over the past 9-10 years, the corporation has invested more than Rs 126 crore through the Local Area Development Fund (LADF) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, supporting local communities and environmental protection efforts. Bista requested a detailed breakdown of these projects, which will be shared with the public to ensure transparency.

IRCON, which is working on the Sevoke-Rangpo rail line, reported that 85% of the construction has been completed. Once finished, the rail line will significantly enhance connectivity between the Darjeeling hills and Sikkim with the rest of West Bengal, greatly benefiting local communities and businesses.

As part of his review, Bista also addressed concerns raised by local communities, including land stability, construction disruptions, safety, and compensation. He assured that all problems would be resolved in a timely manner, with the three agencies collaborating closely to address any challenges faced by local residents.

"This ongoing work is part of our wider efforts to restore reliable, all-weather connectivity for our region,” Bista concluded. “I assure the people that, in the coming days, we will have world-class connectivity that will benefit our region economically and socially, while also ensuring safety and accessibility for all.”

The review meeting marks the second such session chaired by Bista, following an initial meeting in early September to address the issues faced along NH-10, which had been closed for extended periods due to landslides. As the region continues to recover from the monsoon's impacts, these infrastructure improvements are seen as essential to securing its future growth and stability.

With multiple projects underway, the Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars regions are on track to see significant improvements in connectivity, making them more resilient to future challenges while positioning the area as an important economic and tourist hub in the years to come.