Darjeeling MP Raju Bista seeks national highway status for key Bengal route to boost border connectivity and growth

Darjeeling MP and BJP National Spokesperson Raju Bista has formally requested Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari to upgrade the Matigara-Garidhura-Mirik stretch of West Bengal State Highway 12 (SH 12) to the status of a National Highway. This road, according to Bista is not only important for local movement but is also crucial from strategic and economic viewpoints, especially due to its close alignment with the Indo-Nepal border.

The highway serves as a crucial link between the plains and the Darjeeling hills. It is also one of the main access routes to Mirik, a growing tourist hotspot in the region. Bista said that the upgrade will significantly reduce travel time and provide a viable alternative route to Darjeeling, easing congestion and benefiting both residents and tourists.

In his press statement, Bista said that better road infrastructure will directly help local communities by improving their access to markets, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. He added that the proposed upgrade could create new employment opportunities in the construction and maintenance sectors, while also encouraging the growth of small businesses along the route.

The MP also stated the strategic importance of the highway. Since SH 12 runs parallel to the Indo-Nepal border, he said, elevating it to a National Highway would help improve cross-border connectivity, facilitate smoother trade, and enhance national security along the frontier. According to Bista, improved infrastructure along border areas is key to strengthening ties with neighboring countries like Nepal.

Calling the road a “gateway to the Darjeeling hills,” Bista expressed hope that the Central government will give the proposal serious consideration. “This is not just about better roads; it’s about unlocking the region’s full potential,” he said.