Centre building multiple routes to Sikkim to reduce NH 10 dependence: Bista

ISABELLA GURUNG

SINGTAM,: Highlighting the Centre’s ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity to Sikkim and the Northeast, newly appointed BJP Sikkim State in-charge and Darjeeling MP Raju Bista said the railway projects passing through Darjeeling would primarily benefit Sikkim by providing an additional and more reliable mode of connectivity.

Bista said the Centre was investing heavily in road and railway infrastructure in the region and cited several projects being undertaken along the Siliguri, Sevoke and Sikkim corridor.

“Today, IRCON is spending Rs 15,000 crores on railway projects and while the train tracks pass over Darjeeling's land, the primary beneficiary and rights holder of this connectivity will be Sikkim,” Bista said on Monday.

He said the development of multiple alternative routes was intended to ease the longstanding dependence on NH1 0, which is the principal road link between Sikkim and the plains.

Bista said NH 10, which has frequently remained vulnerable to landslides and disruptions, had seen a significant improvement this year.

“NH 10 used to stay closed for a month every year. This time it was closed for just a day or two, and by March, NH 10 will be 100% operational,” he said.

He also highlighted the construction of an alternative highway for Sikkim, stating that Highway 717A had already been constructed with central funding of Rs 3,600 crore.

On the Siliguri side, Bista said the road infrastructure between Balasun and Sevoke was also being upgraded to ease congestion and improve the movement of vehicles heading towards Sikkim and Darjeeling.

“Today, ropeways are being built in Sikkim, and five ropeways are being built in Darjeeling. An alternative highway is being constructed for Darjeeling too. Look at the commute to Siliguri now, how difficult the traffic used to be. Now, from Balasun to Sevoke, a smooth road is almost ready, and 100% of the work on that stretch will be completed soon,” he said.

He said the improvement of the road network would help address traffic congestion in Darjeeling and the surrounding areas.

“The major traffic issues in Darjeeling will also end within a year,” he said.

Bista further spoke about a new road project from Sevoke, stating that a 14 kilometre road was being constructed, including a seven kilometre four lane elevated section.

He also referred to the proposed new bridge at the site of the Coronation Bridge, stating that a tender worth Rs 1,175 crore had been sanctioned for the project.

He said the new infrastructure would provide travellers heading towards Sikkim with multiple route options.

“When travelling to Sikkim, you can choose Highway 717A or take NH 10,” he said.

Bista also referred to a recently announced large scale road project connecting Siliguri with Guwahati and Shillong, putting the value of the project at Rs 61,000 crore.

“Just a week ago, a Rs 61,000 crore road project connecting Siliguri to Guwahati and Shillong was announced,” he said.

He said such projects, together with the railway expansion, would significantly improve connectivity across the region.

The BJP leader also stressed the importance of the railway projects being implemented in the region, particularly in the context of Sikkim’s long standing demand for improved rail connectivity.

He said the BJP workers in Sikkim should communicate these developments to people and ensure that the benefits of Central and State government schemes and projects reach households across the State.

“Look around today, wherever you go, there is a BJP organisation structure. Schemes and governments are working with complete transparency. So, we also want all the benefits and facilities from both the Central and State governments to reach the public in Sikkim,” Bista said.

He said BJP workers should not measure their contribution only through individual financial assistance or personal intervention but should focus on making people aware of the various schemes launched by the Modi government.

“PM Modi has introduced countless schemes for the entire nation. Just understand those schemes clearly and work to deliver them door to door to every household. That alone is your main responsibility,” he said.

Bista also said that the BJP’s organisational activities in Sikkim were not aimed at destabilising the State government.

“We are not building a strong Bharatiya Janata Party in Sikkim just to send our own president to Delhi. Strengthening the BJP in Sikkim does not mean we are here to overturn the State government,” he said.

He said the BJP’s activities were driven by its stated commitment to the people and development of Sikkim.