KalimNews | July 10, 2025 | Siliguri : Darjeeling MP Raju Bista has formally appealed to the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, requesting the upgradation of the Matigara-Garidhura-Mirik section of West Bengal State Highway 12 (SH 12) to National Highway status. Bista submitted a detailed memorandum outlining the strategic, economic, social, and infrastructural importance of the highway, which connects the foothills of North Bengal with the Indo-Nepal border and the Darjeeling hills.
Bista emphasized that this road serves as a critical gateway to the Darjeeling hills and beyond, facilitating movement not only within the region but also to neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan, as well as to Northeast India. He pointed out that the Matigara-Garidhura-Mirik stretch plays a pivotal role in regional connectivity and cross-border relations, given its geographical alignment parallel to the Indo-Nepal border. According to Bista, upgrading this route to National Highway standards will significantly enhance bilateral trade, promote tourism, and strengthen regional security.
Highlighting the route’s importance for tourism, Bista noted that it provides access to Mirik, a popular hill destination known for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage. He asserted that improved road conditions would attract more tourists to the region, which in turn would directly boost the local economy and create livelihood opportunities for residents in the hill areas.
In addition to its tourism potential, the proposed highway upgrade is expected to deliver a range of socio-economic benefits. Bista argued that reduced travel time and better road infrastructure would ease transport bottlenecks and provide an alternative access route to Darjeeling, which currently suffers from limited connectivity and frequent traffic congestion. He added that the improved route would stimulate job creation, particularly in the sectors of construction, infrastructure maintenance, transport services, and hospitality.
Further, Bista underscored the inclusive development aspect of the proposal, explaining that better roads would improve access to essential services like markets, hospitals, and educational institutions for the region’s remote and underserved communities. He stated that such connectivity is crucial to bridging the urban-rural divide and ensuring equitable growth across the hill and border regions of North Bengal.
Most importantly, Bista highlighted the national strategic importance of this stretch of SH 12. Running parallel to the Indo-Nepal international boundary, the road holds immense value for border infrastructure development, cross-border mobility, and defense logistics. He argued that National Highway status would not only help bolster regional trade with Nepal but also enhance India’s geopolitical engagement and preparedness in the area.
In his detailed appeal, Bista outlined six major justifications for the upgradation:
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It serves as a gateway to Darjeeling and provides critical access to Nepal, Bhutan, and the Northeast.
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It connects to Mirik, enhancing tourism potential and supporting the local economy.
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It offers an alternative route to Darjeeling, reducing travel time and congestion.
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It will generate employment through construction and maintenance work.
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It improves access to healthcare, education, and markets, thus ensuring inclusive growth.
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Its proximity to the Indo-Nepal border makes it essential for trade, security, and international relations.
“The strategic value of this road cannot be overstated,” said Bista after his meeting with Minister Gadkari. “Its upgradation will not only benefit local communities but also reinforce India’s border infrastructure and international connectivity with our friendly neighbors.”
He added that the appeal has been received positively by the ministry, and he remains hopeful for a swift and favorable response. Bista also pledged to continue following up on the matter to ensure that the demands of the people of Darjeeling and surrounding regions are met with urgency and sincerity.
The appeal is seen as a significant step towards improving infrastructure in the eastern Himalayan region and aligning it with national development priorities. If approved, the project could mark a major transformation in transport and economic dynamics for West Bengal’s hill and border areas.
