Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Alternative Highway to Darjeeling Under Study to Ease Congestion
Imagine the main road to Darjeeling is like a super busy street in a city, with too many cars.
This causes lots of traffic jams, especially when people are visiting or when it rains a lot.
Because of this, a government company called NHIDCL is looking into building a brand new road.
They are first hiring experts to study if it's a good idea and how to build it.
This new road would give drivers another option and help make the trip to Darjeeling smoother and more reliable, even when the weather is bad.
It's also being considered to help other important roads that connect to places like Sikkim.
A feasibility study is underway for a new alternative highway to Darjeeling from Siliguri.
The current highway, NH110, is severely congested with approximately 15,000 vehicles daily.
The project is being handled by NHIDCL, which operates under the Union ministry of road transport and highways.
Frequent landslides and repairs disrupt connectivity on NH110, highlighting the need for an all-weather alternative.
Demands have also been raised for an alternative alignment of NH10, connecting Siliguri to Sikkim and Kalimpong.
- Who
- National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) and Union ministry of road transport and highways
- What
- Initiating a feasibility study and detailed project report for an alternative highway to Darjeeling from Siliguri.
- When
- The process of hiring consultants has begun.
- Where
- From Siliguri to Darjeeling, with potential implications for NH10 connecting Siliguri to Sikkim and Kalimpong.
- Why
- To alleviate severe traffic congestion on the current NH110 and provide an all-weather, alternative route due to frequent disruptions from landslides and repairs.
- Current Highway
- NH110 (formerly NH 55)
- Daily Vehicle Traffic on NH110
- Approximately 15,000
- Agency Conducting Study
- National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL)
- Project Stage
- Feasibility study and detailed project report (DPR)
- Key Connectivities Affected
- Siliguri to Darjeeling, Siliguri to Sikkim and Kalimpong