Siliguri, July 08 (Siliguri Chronicle) – The state Public Works Department (PWD) is planning to open the long-awaited Burdwan Road flyover in Siliguri by August, just ahead of the Durga Puja festival rush.
Officials also said that work will soon begin to widen the important Nivedita Road, which passes through Gurung Busty and Pradhan Nagar.
Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb confirmed the developments following a meeting with PWD officials at the Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) headquarters on Saturday.
“I have held a series of meetings on the widening of Nivedita Road, which connects the heart of the city through Gurung Busty and Pradhan Nagar. During our latest discussion at the SMC, PWD officials agreed to take up the task,” said Deb. “They have also promised that the Burdwan Road flyover will be opened by August, which will bring much-needed relief from traffic congestion, especially during Durga Puja.”
Sources at the Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) said the Trinamool-led civic body cleared over 100 shanties, roadside stalls, and temporary structures to make way for the expansion of Nivedita Road.
The road runs parallel to Hill Cart Road, one of the city’s main arteries, and acts as an alternative route for commuters travelling to central Siliguri. Officials plan to extend it further towards Gulma via Champasari, with major construction expected to begin after the Durga Puja season.
The 1.1-kilometre-long flyover over Burdwan Road, one of Siliguri’s most important infrastructure projects, was launched by the PWD in 2018. However, work progressed slowly due to several issues, including delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The project’s cost, initially estimated at ₹44.85 crore, has now been revised to ₹68.75 crore.
“The road widening and flyover projects are vital to ease Siliguri’s chronic traffic jam,” said an SMC official.
