New Delhi, Sep 3: The Centre has approved a Rs 2,077.18 crore highway expansion project in West Bengal aimed at improving road connectivity around the Siliguri corridor and strengthening links between North Bengal and the Northeast.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the approval for widening the 31.02-km Bagdogra-Panitanki-Kharibari-Galgalia stretch of NH-327 in Darjeeling district to four lanes.
The project will include three major bridges, a road overbridge, five elephant underpasses and service roads on both sides. These additions are expected to improve road safety, ease traffic movement and provide safer passage for wildlife.
The Siliguri region is an important transport hub connecting mainland India with the northeastern states. The upgraded highway is expected to make the movement of passengers and goods smoother while improving access to border areas and neighbouring countries.
For businesses in North Bengal and the Northeast, better road infrastructure could reduce travel delays and improve the movement of agricultural products, industrial goods and other commodities. Stronger connectivity can also support trade, tourism and investment across the region.
The inclusion of elephant underpasses is designed to address the region’s wildlife movement while allowing highway development to progress with greater attention to environmental safety.
The project is part of the Centre’s broader effort to improve highway infrastructure and strengthen connectivity in eastern and northeastern India. Once completed, the upgraded route is expected to provide safer travel, more efficient logistics and stronger economic links across the region.