News Desk: Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, through a press release, shared that the Central Government has allocated ₹1190.40 crore for the construction of a new bridge over the Teesta River at Sevoke. The new bridge will serve as an alternative to the Coronation Bridge, which has been in a deteriorating state for years.
The upcoming bridge, along with a 6.85 km approach road, will connect Sevoke in Darjeeling to Ellenbari. The project, once approved by the competent authority, is expected to be completed within 36 months. According to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is in its final stage.
The Coronation Bridge, built in 1937, has suffered significant damage, especially after the 2011 and 2015 earthquakes. MP Bista emphasized that despite its critical importance as a link between Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Sikkim, Siliguri, and the Dooars, no major repair work has been undertaken by the West Bengal Public Works Department (WB-PWD).
The new bridge will reduce the distance between key locations by 14 km, cutting travel time and boosting connectivity to Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, and the Northeast. It will also strengthen infrastructure in the strategically vital “Chicken Neck” region.
MP Bista expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for prioritizing the development of the Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars region.