Sikkim Govt’s Rs. 197 cr project in Siliguri to address commuter & healthcare needs

PRASHANT ACHARYA

SILIGURI,: Chief Minister PS Golay on Wednesday morning laid the foundation stone for Sikkim Bus Terminus, Health Service Centre and Guest House in the SNT premises at Siliguri.

The project, costing Rs. 197 crore, will have a bus terminus, offices of IPR and Transport departments, VIP suits for Governor, Chief Minister, ministers, MP and MLAs, health center, dialysis unit, OPD, dormitory for patients and attendants, offices of State undertakings and many others at one location.

Golay thanked Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb for their cooperation and permission for the project plan. We thank the West Bengal Chief Minister and the Siliguri Mayor for their kind cooperation to start the construction work at earliest with their quick response, he said.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of this development in strengthening connectivity, enhancing passenger convenience and expanding healthcare access. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to holistic development and public welfare.

The upcoming facilities are expected to meet the increasing demands of commuters, provide crucial medical support and offer improved lodging facilities.

“There will be 50 rooms in the healthcare centre, complete with kitchen facilities. It will have doctors and nurses to cater to patients, along with clinical facilities. The centre will also include suites for the Governor, Chief Minister, Assembly Speaker, ministers, and legislators. Additionally, the facility will feature automatic bus parking, taxi vehicle parking, and a shopping complex. All of these will be constructed within 24 months,” shared Golay.

He added, “Most of Sikkim's concerns, from commuting and house construction to even shopping, are addressed in Siliguri, which is convenient for the Sikkimese people. It is the nearest metropolitan city for us. Often, our people come here for healthcare concerns to receive better treatment in nursing homes and hospitals. The healthcare centre will be for those who cannot afford to stay elsewhere. It will not cater to government officers. It will only serve as a transit guest house, not a permanent nursing home, where you need to renew your stay every four days.”