Local organizations push for traffic overhaul in Darjeeling

DARJEELING, : Members from different organizations took to the streets today in a mass rally from Ghoom to Darjeeling, demanding immediate action to address the severe traffic issues plaguing the hill town.

Organized by Gorkha Jan Awaz and Himalayan Transport Coordination Committee (HTCC), the rally mostly had members from transport associations and social organisations. They also submitted a memorandum to Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) today, outlining their demands.

Explaining the reason for taking out a rally, HTCC general secretary Dilip Pradhan said, “Despite repeated appeals to the administration regarding traffic congestion, nothing has been done till now. The GTA is the local government here and they should do something about it.”

Pradhan said the GTA should call a meeting involving the public, transport associations and relevant departments to devise a solution for the traffic jams.

Pradip Lama, a tour operator, mentioned the success of parking solutions in Siliguri, where the introduction of designated parking areas on Hill Cart Road and Sevoke Road has significantly alleviated traffic problems. The absence of similar measures in Darjeeling has exacerbated the situation, leading to frequent traffic jams, he added.

Lama also highlighted the challenges posed by the introduction of large NBSTC buses in the narrow streets of Darjeeling. “These long and large buses struggle with sharp bends and narrow roads, contributing to traffic jams. We feel that smaller buses should be introduced,” said Lama, adding that the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway should consider bringing rail tracks on level with road in some places between Rangbull and Darjeeling to minimize road congestion.

Sumit Mukherjee of the Siliguri Darjeeling Taxi Association noted that persistent traffic jams have discouraged tourists from visiting Darjeeling, affecting the livelihood of local businesses. “Tourists are fed up with the traffic situation telling us that they do not want to visit Darjeeling anymore. If the tourists stop visiting, then how will we earn our living? ” questioned Mukherjee.

Taxi driver Punam Rai echoed these concerns, emphasizing the urgency of the situation as the tourist season approaches. “The rally aims to bring the administration’s attention to the severe traffic issues, including narrow roads and inadequate parking. We hope that immediate action will be taken to address these problems, allowing us to better serve our visitors and sustain our businesses,” he said.