The Himal World
Siliguri, 7 January

The Central Government has sanctioned Rs 1400 crore for the construction of a 14-km-long elevated corridor connecting Sevoke Cantonment on the outskirts of Siliguri to Sevoke Bazaar on National Highway-10. The project is scheduled to be completed in the next three years.
“This dream project of the people of our region fulfills another vision of mine which aims to provide world class infrastructure, improve connectivity and ease traffic congestion in our region. The elevated corridor will reduce travel time, and provide a hassles-free travel benefiting both residents and tourists alike,” said Darjeeling’s BJP MP Raju Bista on Tuesday.
According to Bista, he had in May 2023 requested the Minister for Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Nitin Gadkari, to expedite the projects concerning upgradation of NH-10, which is a lifeline for the border regions of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Dooars and Sikkim. 
“I had informed him about the problems faced by the people who travel using NH10, and its significance from the National Security perspective. I am grateful that the project has been given the green light within a year. The construction of this corridor will be a significant step towards ensuring smoother transportation, supporting economic growth, and promoting tourism in the area,” Bista said.
According to him, the corridor will enable the people travelling to Siliguri from Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Sikkim or Dooars and vice-versa, who have to face regular traffic snarls because of the railway level crossing at Sevoke (along the Dooars rail route) to enjoy a seamless journey.
“With the completion of this project, the scenic beauty of Sevoke, known for its natural landscapes, will become even more accessible to travellers, helping to boost local businesses and create new tourism opportunities in the region,” he added. 
“In addition to this, I am actively pursuing the completing of an alternative to Coronation Bridge, Siliguri Ring Road project, and an alternative Highway connecting Siliguri to Darjeeling via Balason, and Ghoom, and a new highway connecting Darjeeling town to Teesta via Dabai Pani. I am also pursuing connecting Bijanbari to this new alternative highway, which will greatly help reduce the travel time between Bijanbari, and Rimbick-Lodhoma region to Siliguri. I assure the people, that significant progress has been made in this regard, and we will get to hear positive news concerning these soon,” Bista said.