Darjeeling MP Raju Bista pushes for big rail projects in Siliguri to boost growth and connectivity

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista has made an appeal to the central government to bring major railway and metro projects to Siliguri and its surrounding areas. On July 24, Bista met with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi and put forward three major proposals: the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail system, a metro-rail network for Siliguri, and a new Railway Coach Factory in the Siliguri-Terai region.

Raju Bista said Siliguri has grown rapidly in the last decade and now has over 10 lakh people living in the city. He described it as a major transit point for tourists going to Darjeeling, Sikkim, Dooars, and even Bhutan and Nepal. “Siliguri is the gateway to Northeast India,” he said. “But poor transport facilities are holding us back.”

To improve this situation, he asked the Minister to approve a Namo Bharat Rapid Rail system that will connect Siliguri to nearby areas through fast and modern trains. He suggested three important routes:

- From Siliguri to Malda, passing through Bagdogra, Naxalbari, Khoribari, Bidhannagar, Chopra, Islampur and Raiganj.

- From Siliguri to Hashimara via Sevoke, Bagrakote, Oodlabari, Mal Bazar, Chalsa, Nagrakata, Banarhat and Birpara.

- In the future, a connection from Siliguri to Rangpo once the Sevoke-Rangpo Rail Line becomes functional.

The Namo Bharat trains are known for their speed, safety, and comfort. These trains can travel distances of around 100 to 250 km quickly and offer air-conditioned coaches, modern facilities, and even an anti-collision system called KAVACH. Bista believes this system will help reduce the heavy traffic on Siliguri’s busy roads like Hill Cart Road and Sevoke Road.

Apart from the rapid rail system, Bista also stressed the need for a metro-rail network within the Siliguri metropolitan area. He said the city’s growing population and traffic require an urgent solution. A metro train system, according to Bista, can carry over 50,000 people every day, making travel inside the city easier, faster, and more comfortable.

“Siliguri is growing fast. It is time to think ahead. A metro system will help ease the traffic, boost tourism, and help locals reach places like Bagdogra Airport and New Jalpaiguri Station faster,” he said.

The MP also requested the Railway Minister to set up a Railway Coach Factory in the Siliguri-Terai region. He said the area is ideal for such a factory because of its location and the large number of young people looking for jobs. A coach factory would create employment and help the Indian Railways meet future needs.

“These three projects Namo Bharat trains, metro-rail, and a coach factory are very important not just for Siliguri and Darjeeling but for the whole region,” Bista said. “They will improve trade, tourism, and connectivity across North Bengal and the Northeast.”

He added that the region shares borders with Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh and plays a key role in international trade. “Quick action on these projects will change the future of this region,” he said. “It will help us grow faster and provide better opportunities for everyone.”

Bista said he was hopeful that the Railway Ministry would take these demands seriously. “These are not just my requests,” he said. “These are the dreams of the people of Darjeeling Hills, Terai, Dooars, North Bengal, and the entire Northeast.”