Siliguri, 03rd November: Several important development projects for North Bengal have received approval. During an administrative review meeting held on Tuesday at Uttar Kanya in the presence of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, several key decisions were taken regarding the development of transport, healthcare, tourism, sports and religious sites across the Darjeeling hills, Terai, Dooars and other parts of North Bengal. Darjeeling MP Raju Bista shared the details.
Among the most important decisions taken at the meeting was the approval of a nearly 21-km-long ropeway project from Kurseong to Darjeeling. The project will be undertaken with the objective of reducing traffic pressure in the hills and developing an alternative mode of transport for local residents and tourists. Once completed, it is expected to make travel between Kurseong and Darjeeling easier.
A significant step has also been taken towards the construction of a medical college in Kalimpong. MP Raju Bista informed that Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will lay the foundation stone of Kalimpong Medical College on December 9. The project is expected to help address the shortage of healthcare facilities that has long been felt in the hill region.
Apart from this, approval has also been granted for the repair, modernisation and expansion of infrastructure at hospitals in Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong, Mirik and Siliguri. A large population across the hills, Terai and Dooars depends on these hospitals. Their modernisation is expected to provide people with better medical facilities.
In the sports sector, approval has been granted to develop Darjeeling’s historic Lebong Ground into a modern stadium. Necessary sports facilities and modern infrastructure will be developed for players at the ground.
Additionally, an allocation of ₹19 crore has been approved for the development and beautification of Darjeeling’s famous Mahakal Temple. The amount will be used for beautification of the temple premises, development of infrastructure and maintenance. The initiative is also expected to promote religious tourism.
Following the meeting, MP Raju Bista expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. He said that development projects were being prioritised while keeping in mind the needs and expectations of people in the Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars. According to him, these initiatives will play an important role in making North Bengal a more developed, better-connected and attractive destination for tourism.
