Raju Bista Lauds Move for Alternative Highway to Darjeeling to Ease NH-110 Congestion

KalimNews, November 8, 2025 : To alleviate the severe traffic congestion affecting the hill town of Darjeeling, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) has taken significant steps to initiate the process of hiring consultants for conducting a feasibility study, preparing a detailed project report (DPR), and completing pre-construction activities for the development of an alternative highway to Darjeeling. This announcement comes as the existing National Highway-110 (NH-110), connecting Siliguri to Darjeeling, continues to face mounting pressure due to the high volume of traffic on the route.

Currently, NH-110 carries over 15,000 vehicles daily—more than double its designed capacity—leading to frequent traffic jams and delays. This situation becomes particularly troublesome during peak hours and tourist seasons, making travel difficult for both locals and visitors. The road's poor condition and congestion have long been a point of concern for the people of Darjeeling.

Darjeeling Member of Parliament (MP) Raju Bista expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, and NHIDCL Managing Director Krishan Kumar for prioritizing the construction of an alternative highway. In a statement, Bista said, “Since my election, I have consistently raised the need for an alternative highway. I am thankful to the authorities for their timely response in taking this issue seriously.”

Bista, who has made repeated efforts to address the issue in Parliament, highlighted his engagement with government officials on the matter. Most recently, he raised the concern during the Monsoon Session of Parliament on July 30, 2025, and met with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) officials on October 29, 2025. The MP also stated that, despite earlier efforts to conduct feasibility studies, the process had been delayed due to departmental transfers, further exacerbating the situation.

On the steps taken by NHIDCL, Bista expressed his satisfaction, saying, “I am happy to share that NHIDCL has initiated the process of hiring consultants for conducting the feasibility study and preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the alternative highway. This marks an important step towards resolving the congestion issues on NH-110.”

The NHIDCL has released a notice inviting tenders for eligible consultants to submit proposals for carrying out the feasibility study, preparing the DPR, and carrying out pre-construction activities for the alternative highway. Consultants may apply individually or as part of a joint venture. The schedule for the consultancy process includes a bid document download and clarification period starting on October 31, 2025. The last date for pre-bid queries is November 25, 2025, followed by pre-bid meetings on the same day at NHIDCL headquarters in New Delhi. Technical bids will be opened on December 16, 2025. The validity of submitted bids will be 120 days from the due date.

Bista further acknowledged the support of the central government, saying, “On behalf of the people of Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, Hon'ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari ji, and NHIDCL Managing Director Dr. Krishan Kumar ji for giving top priority to the development of an alternative highway to Darjeeling.”

With the project now moving forward, there is optimism that the new highway will provide much-needed relief to the residents of Darjeeling and ease the burden on NH-110. The development of an alternative highway is expected to improve connectivity, reduce congestion, and offer a smoother travel experience for both locals and tourists visiting the scenic hill station.