Darjeeling MP Raju Bista requests CRIF support for bridges and roads across Darjeeling and Kalimpong

Darjeeling Member of Parliament Raju Bista met with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to request the use of the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for several critical projects that have long awaited construction.

During the meeting, Bista highlighted the need for constructing multiple bridges and roads in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and neighboring areas. Key bridge projects proposed include the Victoria Fall Bridge in Darjeeling Municipality, the steel bridge over Manjha River near Lohagarh Village in Potung Tea Garden, and several other bridges over rivers like DabaiKhola, Rongjong Khola, Fagu Khola, Rangbhangkhola, and Rammam River. Bista also emphasized the importance of jeepable bridges at Lohapool, Majitar over the Teesta River, and Lower Lingten & Sumbuk, which are expected to ease travel in remote areas.

On the road front, projects like Sahid Siddhant Chhetry Marg, Bara Sittong Main Road, Mirik Busty Main Road, Lava – Lingseykha Mandir Fatak Road, Charkhola Sunar Gaon Main Road, and the Mirik State Highway up to Upper and Lower Jaubari were proposed. Other critical roads include the Lata Golai to LAMP Office Road, the CC Road from Passang Tamang House to Tamang Gumba, and Rungdung Bridge to Garad Dara Road.

Bista said that timely approval and execution of these projects would improve connectivity between villages, boost tourism, create local employment, and strengthen disaster resilience in the region. “These projects are vital for the socio-economic growth of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and surrounding areas,” he said.

Minister Gadkari assured Bista that the Ministry will take positive steps and has forwarded the request to the concerned department for further action.