Darjeeling needs better roads, ropeways for the future, says Darjeeling MP Raju Bista

Speaking in Parliament on July 30, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista made a formal demand for the construction of an alternative highway connecting Siliguri to Darjeeling via Balason. Highlighting the severe road congestion that plagues the region, Bista urged the central government to take immediate steps for better connectivity and sustainable infrastructure in the hills.

While addressing the House, Bista said that Darjeeling, despite being one of India's most iconic and popular hill stations is suffering due to outdated infrastructure. He informed the Parliament that the current main road, National Highway 110 (earlier known as NH-55), was built during the British era and is no longer capable of handling modern traffic. “The road was designed for a much smaller number of vehicles,” Bista said, adding that now over 15,000 vehicles use it daily; more than double its intended capacity.

As a result, people frequently face traffic jams and long delays, especially during the tourist season. “This is affecting everyone; students trying to reach school, patients needing medical care, office workers commuting daily and tourists who are slowly getting discouraged from visiting because of the massive traffic,” he added.

To ease the situation, Bista proposed the construction of a new highway through Balason. According to him, this alternative route will not only reduce traffic on NH-110 but also bring development to rural areas like Kurseong, Mirik, Sonada, Rangbull, Dhotrey-Pussumbeng, Sukhia Pokhari and Pokhrebong valley. “By connecting these regions, we can create new economic opportunities and improve transport for the local people,” he said.

Apart from roads, Bista also spoke about the need for modern transport systems suited to Darjeeling's steep and hilly terrain. He called for the development of ropeways under the Government of India’s Parvatmala scheme, which aims to improve connectivity in mountainous areas.

Specifically, Bista proposed ropeway routes from Ghoom to Darjeeling and Darjeeling to Bijanbari, Delo to Kalimpong, Kalimpong to Relli and Relli to Chitrey.

“These ropeways will provide eco-friendly and fast travel options. They will also help reduce road traffic and offer a unique experience to tourists,” said Bista.

He expressed confidence that with proper support from both the Central and State governments, Darjeeling could soon become more accessible, better connected and even more attractive as a tourist destination. “We must reclaim Darjeeling’s legacy as a world-class tourism hub,” he said.