Bista urges Gadkari for urgent restoration of key highways in Darjeeling region

GANGTOK,: Darjeeling MP Raju Bista on Wednesday met Union Road Transport & Highways minister Nitin Gadkari, to discuss the urgent need for the restoration and upgradation of key highways in the Darjeeling region that have been severely affected by recent landslides.

Bista had earlier submitted a report on the status of National Highway-10, National Highway-110, NH-717A, and other major roads in Darjeeling region, that have sustained heavy damage due to excessive rainfall.

“Given the importance of these critical roads for the socio-economic stability of our region, and their significance from national security perspective, I requested the minister’s personal intervention to ensure that all repairs and renovation work are completed during the upcoming dry season before the next monsoon begins,” said Bista in a media statement.

The Darjeeling MP also reiterated his earlier request, to upgrade the Mirik-Garidhura-Matigara section of State Highway 12 to National Highway status. This road, which connects the Indo-Nepal border and serves as a key access route for the Mirik sub-division and lower Pokhrebong region, remained closed for over 20 days following the landslides, causing major hardship to the people.

Gadkari has directed the Ministry officials to take expedited action towards repairing and upgradation during this dry season, informed Bista.