Minister Shankar Ghosh inspects Bidhan Market, outlines plan to tackle Siliguri’s traffic and parking problems

Siliguri, 24th October: Minister Shankar Ghosh inspected Bidhan Market in Siliguri on Saturday morning alongside the Police Commissioner, the Municipal Corporation Commissioner and other administrative officials. The team reviewed the market’s infrastructure, road conditions and parking arrangements as the administration prepares to address the city’s traffic congestion, parking problems and footpath encroachment.

Following the inspection, the minister said efforts would be made to improve parking facilities and ensure the proper use of bus stands. The administration will also address shops extending onto roads, businesses occupying footpaths and unauthorised temporary structures in Bidhan Market and Seth Srilal Market.

Shankar Ghosh said the administration would first discuss the issues with traders’ associations and seek their cooperation. If the situation does not improve, necessary action will be taken. Awareness campaigns will be conducted during the Durga Puja, Kali Puja and Diwali period, with implementation of the planned measures expected to begin after November.

The minister also highlighted traffic congestion at Hashmi Chowk, Sevoke More and Airview More, where toto and auto-rickshaw drivers stopping to pick up passengers are contributing to the problem. The traffic police will conduct a survey to identify suitable measures to address the issue. The possibility of widening roads in certain areas is also being examined.

Expressing concern over reckless driving, the minister referred to the fatal accident at Jhankar More in which two people died. He said strict action would be taken against rash driving.

He added that if motorcycles or scooters were found being used by individuals under 18, their families would initially be warned. Further action would follow where necessary, and awareness campaigns would also be conducted in schools to discourage underage driving.