Siliguri, 13th March: The dilapidated condition of the Jabrabhita underpass near IOC in the Dabgram–Fulbari Assembly constituency area has triggered growing anger among local residents. The underpass, located near NJP, has reportedly been neglected for a long time despite its importance as a key communication route.
According to locals, the maintenance responsibility of the underpass lies with the Indian Railways and the Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA). However, residents allege that both authorities have failed to pay adequate attention to the condition of the structure.
Residents claim that even a short spell of rain leads to severe waterlogging inside the underpass, forcing vehicles and commuters to pass through the route while risking their safety. After a few hours of rainfall on Thursday, the situation worsened significantly.
By Friday morning, movement through the underpass was completely disrupted due to the accumulated water.
The underpass is frequently used by tourists and daily commuters travelling to and from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, making the situation particularly troublesome for the public.
Local residents have also alleged that despite being aware of the issue, BJP MLA from Dabgram–Fulbari constituency Sikha Chatterjee has not yet ensured a permanent solution to the problem.