Rs 69.79 crore sanctioned for ROB between Nijbari and Rangapani, says MP Raju Bista
The MP said that the Ministry of Railways has already reached out to the West Bengal government to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC), which is essential before construction work can start.
LOCAL
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista on Thursday said that the Ministry of Railways has sanctioned Rs 69.79 crore for the construction of a Road Over Bridge (ROB) in place of the existing level crossing near Rangapani. The project, which has been a long-pending demand of the local people, will fully be funded by the Indian Railways.
The sanctioned amount is nearly Rs 20 crore more than what was earlier approved, reflecting the government’s decision to give priority to the project. The ROB will come up at level crossing no. NC-5, located at kilometer 7/9–8/0 on the stretch between Nijbari and Rangapani stations.
Bista, who is also the National Spokesperson of the BJP, said that the absence of a ROB has caused severe inconvenience to people in and around Rangapani for years. “People in Rangapani have suffered a lot because of the lack of ROB. The earlier we can construct it, the easier their life will become,” he said in a statement.
The MP said that the Ministry of Railways has already reached out to the West Bengal government to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC), which is essential before construction work can start. Bista himself has spoken to state officials and urged them to expedite the clearance process so that the project does not face unnecessary delays.
The ROB is expected to ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity, and ensure smooth movement for thousands of daily commuters. At present, the level crossing often leads to long queues of vehicles, frequent delays, and safety concerns for residents and travelers alike. Once constructed, the bridge will not only save time but also enhance road safety in the region.
Expressing his gratitude, Bista thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for prioritizing infrastructure development in Darjeeling and North Bengal. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and Hon’ble Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw ji for giving top priority towards public infrastructure development in our region,” he said.