Guwahati: Darjeeling MP and BJP National Spokesperson Raju Bista has welcomed the Union Government’s decision to allocate Rs 770.25 crore for the widening and upgradation of the NH-717A highway.
This significant investment is expected to transform the Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars region, as well as Sikkim, by improving regional connectivity and easing transportation for thousands of residents, tourists, and transporters.
Bista, who has been actively following up on this project, had previously raised concerns about gaps in the Detailed Project Report (DPR), particularly regarding slope protection. He had requested Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari’s personal intervention to address these concerns.
The Centre’s approval for slope protection and the use of advanced engineering tools, such as Self Drilling Anchors and Gabion structures, has now alleviated these concerns.
The upgraded NH-717A highway will provide a faster alternative to the often-disrupted NH-10 during the monsoons, ensuring a safer and more climate-resilient route.
The project covers a total of 23.7 km, including 18.42 km from Lavamore to the start of the Pedong Bypass in West Bengal and 5.297 km from Reshi to Rhenock in Sikkim. Critical slope protection work will also be undertaken along the Bagrakot-Kafer stretch in Kalimpong.
Bista praised the progress on NH-717A, calling it one of the most beautiful and scenic highways in the country. He emphasized that the highway will completely change how people travel in the region, benefiting local businesses, improving trade and commerce, and giving a significant boost to tourism.
The all-weather connectivity provided by the highway is especially crucial in hilly and rain-prone areas, making it a lifeline that will connect people, markets, and ideas.
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