Darjeeling MP inspects Selroti bridge on NH-717A, calls for urgent repairs to safeguard connectivity to Sikkim

Darjeeling Member of Parliament Raju Bista visited the newly built Loop Bridge on National Highway 717A, known locally as the Selroti Bridge or Snake Bridge, near Bagrakote in Kalimpong district today. He went there with officials from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) to check on reported damages to the bridge’s structure that have recently been talked about in the news.

The Kalimpong-Darjeeling area is located in Seismic Zone IV, which means it is very prone to earthquakes. On top of that, the region also receives some of the heaviest rainfall in India. These two factors make the area very vulnerable to landslides and other natural challenges. Because of this difficult and fragile geography, the NH-717A highway is being developed as an alternative route to the busy NH-10. This new road is expected to be very important for connecting Kalimpong and Sikkim smoothly and safely in the near future.

Due to these conditions, it is very important to make sure the bridge and the highway are strong and safe. MP Raju Bista said that any problems with the structure during construction must be fixed quickly and carefully. He also said that he has already talked to the Minister of Road, Transport and Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, about the issue. He requested the Minister to conduct a full review of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), the design of the road, and the quality of construction work — not just on the bridge, but also on the nearby road sections.

Bista added that he has asked for an independent investigation to check if the work done by the company building the bridge is up to standard. This is to make sure there is no negligence or poor quality work. He stressed the need for quick repairs and regular maintenance to keep the bridge and the roads safe and usable.

Officials from NHIDCL told Bista that they are already reviewing the bridge design and the stability of the slopes around it. Their top structural engineers are working on finding the best solutions to fix any issues. They want to make sure the bridge remains safe and strong for a long time.

MP Bista assured the people that the road and bridge will not be opened for use until all the problems with structure, design, and safety are fully solved. He said public safety is the most important thing and that they will not take any risks with this important infrastructure.