Gangtok:26th Nov : MP Darjeeling, Raju Bista held a multi-agency review meeting with officials from the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) officials in charge of NH 717A, and NH 10, officials of National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), and Indian Railway Construction International Limited (IRCON) in Kalimpong today.
According to him the ongoing projects, the progress made in those, and the difficulties they are facing in the executing of these projects,have been discussed. He adds, ‘ this past monsoon and heavy rainfall during the month of October had caused massive damages across many roads in our region, particularly NH-10, and in some places on NH717A. Since then, NHIDCL has responded swiftly towards construction of All Weather Road in the region. They have already issued tender for NH-10 upgradation and widening in multiple places. Work on slope stabilization is also being undertaken swiftly.’
MP Bista says, ‘In addition to this, a feasibility study is being undertaken to examine a new Greenfield Road Alternative for NH-10, and once the study is completed, they will move on to the next phase of execution’.
The NHPC officials informed him that in the past 9/10-years, they have spent over Rs 126crores, through Local Area Development Fund (LADF), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) towards assisting local communities, river protection and wall protection.MP has asked for the details of the projectss, so that the information can be shared with the people.
MP Bista has been informed by RCON
that’ 85% work on the Sevoke-Rangpo has been completed, and they are making steady progress.’
‘I also took up the various issues local villages and communities had highlighted they are facing due to the ongoing projects. The three agencies have assured me that they will address the issues raised by me, in a timely manner’, says MP.
‘Our efforts to restore reliable and year round connectivity for our region continues, and I assure the people that in the coming days we will have a world class all weather road connectivity’, says Bista.
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