Another 1,500 cabs may ply between Siliguri and Gangtok
Times of India | 4 April 2025
12 Siliguri: As the tourist season gains momentum in the region, both Sikkim and Bengal govts are keen to increase the number of vehicles operating between Siliguri and Gangtok, expanding the fleet from 3,000 to 4,500. There are also plans to introduce 10 electric buses along this route.
On Wednesday, officials from both govts, including state transport minister Snehashish Chakraborty and Sikkim's transport department adviser Madan Cintury, met in Siliguri to discuss a draft proposal for a reciprocal agreement regarding vehicle movement and improved transport facilities between the two states. "Due to the influx of tourists in both states, associations have asked for a revision of the agreement. A proposal for 4,500 vehicles to operate daily between the two states has been suggested. Additionally, the introduction of 10 electric buses between Siliguri and Sikkim has been proposed. While there haven't been many policy changes, the discussions are still ongoing and no decisions have been finalised," said a Sikkim official. Bengal associations, however, raised concerns that vehicles with state registration numbers were restricted from operating beyond certain points in Sikkim.