MP Raju Bista Inspects Chalsa-Bindu Road Construction and Attends Kholey Dai Festival to Boost Connectivity and Tourism in North Bengal

 Major Road Projects and Cultural Festivals Enhance Connectivity and Tourism Potential

KalimNews, Kalimpong, December 21, 2025 : Darjeeling MP Raju Bista took significant strides in overseeing important developments in north Bengal and Indo Bhutan area in Kalimpong on Sunday, focusing on improving infrastructure, promoting tourism, and supporting local communities.

Bista began his day by inspecting the construction of the Chalsa–Jaldhaka–Bindu Barrage Road, a crucial 35-km-long route aimed at enhancing connectivity in the remote border regions of north Bengal. The road, which runs close to the Bhutanese border, is an important infrastructure project designed to link these areas more efficiently to the national highway network. Notably, the road is located near the Doklam Plateau, the site of the 2017 military standoff between Indian and Chinese forces. The road’s construction is being executed by the 764 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF), and the Central Government has sanctioned over ₹200 crore for its development.

The project is being executed in four phases. Phase I, which covers a stretch of 11.86 km between Khunia More and Kumani More, has already been completed. Phase II, connecting Kumani More to Gairibas over a 9-km stretch, was inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on December 7, 2025. However, the remaining phases—Phase III (a 6-km stretch from Gairibas to Paren) and Phase IV (an 8-km section from Paren to Bindu Barrage)—are delayed due to pending forest clearance and land acquisition formalities. During his visit, Bista discussed these issues with General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) and Forest Department officials, who assured him that the clearance process was being expedited.

After his inspection, Bista expressed satisfaction with the quality of work completed so far. He praised the challenging terrain and commended the efforts of the BRO team, led by Brigadier Amit Sakhre, Chief Engineer of Project Swastik, as well as the officers and jawans involved in the project. He noted that the road would not only improve border infrastructure but also bring economic benefits to local residents, tourists, and the broader regions of the Darjeeling Hills and Dooars. Bista highlighted that the road project would be transformational in terms of mobility, security preparedness, and socio-economic development for the region.

“Since my election in 2019, improving road connectivity in remote border areas has been one of my key priorities. The Central Government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has prioritised the development of high-quality roads in border regions, ensuring security and better connectivity,” Bista said. He further expressed gratitude to both leaders for their commitment to strengthening infrastructure in the region.

In addition to his inspection of the road project, Bista attended the fifth edition of the Kholey Dai Festival in Parengtar, a village along the Indo-Bhutan border in Kalimpong. This unique Eastern Himalayan harvest festival has gained prominence in recent years and is seen as a vital cultural event that promotes responsible tourism and strengthens local livelihoods. More than 500 domestic and international tourists participated in this year's festival, with many staying in camping sites for its duration.

Bista spoke enthusiastically about the festival’s role in supporting local communities and preserving traditional agricultural practices. He described it as a model example of “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” the self-reliant India initiative envisioned by Prime Minister Modi. The festival, which celebrates the connection between people, land, and nature, provides an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture while benefiting the local economy.

“The Kholey Dai Festival is a celebration of our agricultural traditions and has the potential to become a major tourism attraction, comparable to the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland,” Bista said. He emphasised the importance of developing better connectivity to the region, which would, in turn, attract more tourists and generate further economic opportunities for the youth in the area.

Bista noted that festivals like the Kholey Dai Festival not only bring together people from various walks of life but also bridge generational gaps. “This is not just a celebration; it’s a living classroom where children can learn about our history, heritage, and traditions. I encourage all parents to bring their children to experience this event,” he added.

In conclusion, Bista reaffirmed his commitment to working towards better infrastructure and connectivity, which would help realise the tourism potential of the region and create sustainable livelihoods for local communities. He stressed that with stronger roads and networks, the Darjeeling Hills and the surrounding areas could achieve significant growth, both economically and culturally.

With these ongoing projects and initiatives, Raju Bista continues to focus on improving the quality of life for the people of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and the border areas of north Bengal, ensuring that development reaches even the most remote corners of the region.