New road and ropeway projects will ease Darjeeling’s traffic burden, says Darjeeling MP Raju Bista

To improve road connectivity in the Darjeeling-Siliguri region, Member of Parliament Raju Bista has thanked Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, for initiating a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for an alternative highway route to Darjeeling via Lebong, Dabai Pani, and Teesta. Bista called it a “significant step forward” for the people of the region who have long struggled with traffic congestion and poor infrastructure.

In a fresh appeal to the Ministry, Bista has now urged consideration for another alternative highway that would link Darjeeling and Siliguri through a new alignment. The proposed route; Siliguri to Orali (near Dudhey, Lower Balason), then to Balason, Dhotrey, Pussumbeng, Ghoom, and finally Darjeeling aims to decongest the current National Highway 110 (formerly NH-55), which was constructed during the British era and now suffers from severe traffic issues.

“This new route will not only ease the burden on NH-110 but will also connect remote areas such as Kurseong, Mirik, Sonada, Rangbull, Dhotrey-Pussumbeng valley, Sukhia Pokhari, and Pokhrebong valley,” said Bista. He added that the proposal is backed by several non-political organisations from the region who support improved connectivity for rural and semi-urban pockets.

Bista has formally requested the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to carry out a feasibility and alignment study for the proposed road. He believes that a scientific study of the terrain and traffic patterns will help establish the practicality of this new highway and serve the long-term transportation needs of the region.

Further strengthening his push for modern and sustainable infrastructure, Bista also proposed the development of a ropeway system between Ghoom and Darjeeling under the Central Government’s Parvatmala Project. According to him, the ropeway will offer a clean, efficient, and scenic mode of travel, reduce the strain on already congested roads, and support tourism and local businesses.

“Darjeeling is not just a tourist destination; it is home to thousands of people who commute daily for work, education, and other basic needs. Improving our connectivity is not a luxury but a necessity,” Bista said. He added that such development projects will also offer long-term economic benefits by encouraging trade, tourism, and job creation in the hills and nearby areas.