Siliguri, 07th August: West Bengal Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh on Friday announced a series of major decisions regarding road repairs, traffic management and regulation of e-rickshaw operations in Siliguri Municipal Corporation areas and adjoining regions.
Addressing a press conference at Mainak Tourist Lodge, the minister said residents face severe inconvenience every year during the monsoon due to pothole-ridden roads. He informed that complaints from citizens have been received regarding the issue.
Shankar Ghosh said ₹5 crore from the Siliguri Municipal Corporation’s own fund, ₹7 crore in two phases from the North Bengal Development Department and around ₹100 crore worth of projects under the Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA) are currently under the tender process for road development.
He added that potholes will be repaired before Durga Puja to provide relief to residents, while permanent road construction work will begin after the festive season.
The minister also stated that a major portion of MLA fund allocations will be utilised for improving underdeveloped areas, especially for drainage systems, drains and road construction. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are being prepared for every ward, including Ward No. 46. Officials from PWD, PHE, Irrigation Department and National Highway authorities have been instructed to take necessary steps.
On the issue of e-rickshaw regulation and traffic congestion, Shankar Ghosh said the system will be brought under proper regulation without affecting the livelihood of educated youth engaged in the profession. He stated that owning multiple e-rickshaws by a single person will be strictly stopped and efforts will be made to ensure drivers can become owners of their own vehicles.
The minister said the Police Commissioner has been assigned responsibility for reorganising city traffic through measures such as identity cards, zone allocation and colour stickers for e-rickshaws.
To address parking issues, revised e-tenders will be invited, and strict action will be taken against those illegally collecting parking fees, he added.