Darjeeling MP flags cracks on Selroti Bridge, seeks urgent Centre’s action to safeguard Sikkim-Kalimpong route

Member of Parliament from Darjeeling, Raju Bista has raised concerns over the safety of the newly constructed Selroti Loop Bridge, also known locally as the Snake Bridge, on National Highway 717A. The bridge, located near Bagrakote in Kalimpong district and forming a key link to Sikkim, has developed visible cracks just six months after completion.

Bista, in a letter addressed to Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, has called for urgent intervention. According to reports from local sources and media outlets, cracks have appeared on both the surface and the base of the bridge. Signs of land sinking have also been noticed in the surrounding area.

What is even more troubling is that the bridge has not been formally inaugurated yet. “The early damage raises serious questions about the quality of construction and the safety of commuters, especially with the monsoon season approaching,” Bista stated in his communication to Gadkari.

In his letter, Bista also highlighted another concern voiced by local residents; the lack of proper lighting on the Selroti Golai stretch. “The absence of streetlights puts night-time travellers at great risk. Adequate lighting is urgently needed to avoid accidents,” he added.

The MP has formally urged the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways to immediately step in and take strong corrective measures. He has requested a thorough review of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), along with an assessment of the bridge’s design and the quality of construction carried out on the Selroti Bridge and its adjoining road section. This, he said, is crucial to determine whether there were flaws in the planning or execution stages.

Bista also called for an independent investigation into the construction agency responsible for the project. He said that any lapses or substandard work must be identified clearly, and those responsible must be held accountable without delay. He believes such an inquiry is necessary not just to understand what went wrong but also to ensure such problems are not repeated in the future.

In addition, he demanded that immediate repair and maintenance work be undertaken to fix the damage already seen on the bridge. If needed, he said, a complete reconstruction of the affected portion should be considered to guarantee the safety of the travelling public. With the monsoon season setting in, Bista warned that even small issues could turn into serious dangers if not dealt with quickly.

He also urged the Ministry to strengthen quality control measures in all projects being handled by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) in the region. Restoring public trust, he said, depends on visible and long-term improvements in how such critical infrastructure projects are executed.

Bista stressed the need to install proper lighting along the Selroti Golai stretch, where the absence of streetlights continues to pose a risk, particularly at night. He said that ensuring basic lighting infrastructure would greatly reduce the chances of accidents and make the route safer for all road users.

“The lives of people should not be put at risk due to poor construction or lack of oversight. The government must act without delay to correct these problems,” he said.

The Selroti Bridge is a vital link for people travelling between the plains and the hills of Kalimpong and onward to Sikkim.