Coronation Bridge Alternative Gets a Mega Upgrade: MoRTH Approves 6-Lane Design for New Teesta Bridge
Siliguri, April 19, 2026 — In a massive infrastructural boost for North Bengal and the connecting routes to Sikkim, the highly anticipated alternative to the historic Coronation Bridge over the Teesta River at Sevoke is getting a major design upgrade.
Originally proposed as a 4-lane structure, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has officially directed that the new bridge and its approaches along NH-10 be developed as a 6-lane highway to accommodate future traffic and strategic military movements.
Tender Deferred for Redesigning
The decision comes following an appraisal by the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) held last month. Because the project must now be redesigned to accommodate the extra lanes, the initial tender for the bridge has been temporarily deferred.
Addressing concerns over the delayed tender, Darjeeling Member of Parliament Raju Bista took to social media to clarify the situation, warning citizens not to fall for misinformation.
“I am happy to share that the Coronation Bridge alternative is being upgraded to a 6-Lane Highway, instead of the earlier proposed 4-lane,” MP Bista stated. “Please do not be misled by partial reporting. The project is being redesigned to make it wider and to ensure better safety of the bridge… The bridge design is being improved to make it future-ready.”
Key Changes in the New 6-Lane Design
According to an official Office Memorandum dated March 10, 2026, issued by the MoRTH (BP&SP Cell), several key modifications are being made to the Detailed Project Report (DPR):
6-Lane Configuration: The SFC Chair underscored the “strategic importance of the project and future traffic growth,” mandating the shift from a 4-lane to a 6-lane highway.
Removal of Footpaths: To maximize vehicular space and accommodate the 6-lane configuration efficiently, the provision for footpaths on the bridge is being reviewed and deleted wherever appropriate.
Bridge Health Monitoring: The initially proposed Bridge Health Monitoring System (BHMS) in the DPR has been removed. Instead, MoRTH will separately adopt a highly advanced, centralized monitoring system currently being developed in collaboration with IIT Madras.
Enhanced Entry/Exit Safety: The committee directed that the provision of flaring at EUP (Entry/Underpass) locations be thoroughly examined and incorporated to ensure perfectly safe entry and exit movements for high-speed traffic.
A Crucial Lifeline
The “Additional Major Bridge” across the River Teesta at Sevoke (starting around km 591.310 of the old NH-31/new NH-10) is one of the most critical infrastructure projects for the region.
With the existing Coronation Bridge aging and frequently burdened by heavy traffic and goods vehicles heading toward the Darjeeling hills, Kalimpong, the Dooars, and the border state of Sikkim, this new 6-lane alternative will serve as a vital, future-proof lifeline for both civilian transit and national security logistics.
