New ROB section opens at Darjeeling More in Siliguri; commuters hope for relief from traffic congestion

Siliguri, 20th September: A section of the newly constructed Road Over Bridge (ROB) at Darjeeling More was opened to the public on Sunday, amid the long-standing traffic congestion in the area. The ROB was inaugurated in the presence of MP Raju Bista and West Bengal PWD Minister Ajay Kumar Poddar, following which vehicular movement began on the new ROB.

The opening of the new ROB is expected to improve traffic movement at Darjeeling More. The area had been witnessing congestion for several months as construction work narrowed the road and the old ROB was removed to facilitate construction of the new structure. Motorists and commuters were often stuck in traffic for hours.

It is to be noted that, following the initiative of Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone in 2022 for a four-lane elevated road project from Balason to Sevoke Army Camp. The project, estimated to cost around Rs 1,100 crore, includes the construction of the new ROB at Darjeeling More after removal of the old one.

Considering the difficulties faced by commuters during construction, MP Raju Bista had inspected the site last week and said a section of the new ROB would be opened to the public soon. As assured, he reached Darjeeling More on Sunday along with PWD Minister Ajay Kumar Poddar. Following the inspection, the ROB was opened for traffic.

Raju Bista said the opening of the new ROB would help reduce traffic congestion at Darjeeling More. He said the four-lane elevated road project is targeted for completion by March 2027, after which the entire road would be opened to the public. He also spoke about starting other development works in Siliguri, including a ring road.

PWD Minister Ajay Kumar Poddar said the construction work had progressed following the initiative of Raju Bista. He said the new ROB section has been opened to the public from Sunday and efforts would be made to complete the development works within the stipulated timeline.