Siliguri: Centre has approved Rs 2,077 crore for four-laning the 31-km Bagdogra-Panitanki-Kharibari-Galgalia stretch of NH-327 in Darjeeling district , aimed at strengthening connectivity through the strategically important Siliguri Corridor and to the India-Nepal border, Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari said on Thursday.
Environmental Clearance and Infrastructure Developments
The proposed project is set to divert forest land, which has raised concerns from the forest department regarding environmental clearance. To address potential wildlife disruptions, five elephant underpasses are planned to enhance wildlife movement and mitigate human-elephant conflicts.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari confirmed via a post on X that the project will feature three major bridges, a road overbridge, and service roads on both sides of the main roadway.
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Kurseong divisional forest officer Debesh Pandey said the forest department had raised objections during the environmental clearance process as portions of forest land would have to be diverted. “The project proponent, NHAI, will include five underpasses, which were inspected by the CCF, Wildlife, North,” he said. The project is expected to improve connectivity to northeast India and access to Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, while easing congestion in Bagdogra, Naxalbari, Kharibari and Panitanki. It will also improve access to Bagdogra airport and facilitate faster movement of agricultural, horticultural, tea and other local produce to larger markets. The five elephant underpasses are planned at Sannyasithan, Atal, Panitanki and two locations at Deomani, areas where the highway intersects elephant habitats. Download the TOI App.