Highway for Connectivity: New four‑lane NH‑327 to link India with Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh
Siliguri, September 03: A major initiative has been taken towards strengthening the road and transport infrastructure of North Bengal. ₹2077.18 crore has been approved for converting the 31.02 km stretch of Bagdogra-Panitanki-Khoribari-Galgalia section of National Highway (NH)-327 in Darjeeling district into a four-lane, press release issued by the office of BJP MP from Darjeeling, Raju Bista on Thursday.
This will improve access to routes leading to Northeast India as well as Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
Raju Bisht expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for approving the project. He stated that the project will be a significant step towards strengthening infrastructure and connectivity in North Bengal.
The proposed project is considered crucial for the strategically important Siliguri Corridor. The four-lane road is expected to improve traffic flow in the Bagdogra, Naxalbari, Khoribari, and Panitanki areas, while also enhancing road safety.
The project will construct three major bridges, a Road Over Bridge (ROB), five elephant underpasses, and service roads on both sides of the highway. The underpasses, designed to allow safe movement of elephants, are also expected to help reduce human-wildlife conflict.
According to Raju Bisht, upon completion, the project will accelerate the movement of people and goods, significantly improving the region’s connectivity. This will facilitate access to Bagdogra Airport and strengthen the region’s logistics network. Farmers, tea growers, horticulturalists, traders, students, tourists, and local businesses are expected to benefit from reduced travel time and transportation costs.
The press release states that the project will further strengthen connectivity between North Bengal and the Northeastern states, improving access to routes leading to Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. Given the strategic importance of the Siliguri Corridor, the project is not being considered solely for regional road development. Improved road connectivity is expected to boost economic activity in North Bengal and facilitate the movement of essential goods, services, and people between Eastern and Northeastern India.-
