After rain damage, Darj MP Bista presses for faster road repairs
The Statesman | 27 November 2025
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista convened a multi-agency review meeting in Kalimpong on Wednesday with senior officials from the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) responsible for national highway 717A and NH-10, the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), and Indian Railway Construction International Limited (IRCON).
The meeting focused on a comprehensive assessment of ongoing infrastructure projects, their current progress, and the challenges being faced in their execution.
Officials noted that the monsoon and unusually heavy rainfall in October had caused extensive damage to major road networks across the Hills, particularly NH-10 and stretches of NH-717A. In response, NHIDCL has initiated rapid restoration efforts under its “All Weather Road” initiative. Tenders have already been floated for the widening and upgrade of NH-10 at multiple vulnerable points. Simultaneously, slope stabilisation work is being carried out at several critical locations, officials said.
MP Bista further informed that a feasibility study is underway to explore the development of a new Greenfield Road as an alternative to NH-10. “Once the study is completed, the project will move to its next stage of execution,” he said.
During the meeting, NHPC officials briefed the MP that over the past 9-10 years, the corporation has spent more than Rs 126 crore from its Local Area Development Fund (LADF) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes. These funds have been utilised to assist local communities and undertake river protection, wall protection, and other mitigation works. The MP sought a detailed list of these projects for public dissemination.
IRCON officials also updated Bista that around 85 per cent of the work on the Sevoke-Rangpo rail line has been completed, and construction is progressing steadily.
Bista raised several concerns highlighted by local residents regarding the difficulties they are facing due to the ongoing infrastructure works. All three agencies assured him that the issues would be addressed promptly and effectively.
“Our efforts to restore reliable, year-round connectivity for the region are continuing with full commitment. I assure the people that in the coming days, the Hills will have world-class all-weather road connectivity,” MP Raju Bista told reporters after the meeting.