Siliguri, West Bengal – Darjeeling Member of Parliament Raju Bista today performed the foundation stone laying ceremony for the long-awaited Rangapani Rail Over Bridge (ROB), a key infrastructure project aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in North Bengal.
The event marks a significant milestone for residents of Rangapani, Phansidewa, Khoribari, Siliguri, and surrounding areas, with the Central Government providing full funding of ₹69.79 crores. Bista highlighted the project’s importance in a post on X, noting that the demand for the ROB has been pending for years due to high traffic volumes—exceeding 10 lakh Total Vehicle Units (TVU)—far surpassing the 1 lakh TVU threshold required for such developments.
According to Bista, delays occurred after the West Bengal Government declined to share construction costs, prompting the Central Government to cover the entire expense. Funds were sanctioned in August 2025, but further holdups arose from pending No Objection Certificates (NOC) from state authorities. Bista personally intervened by contacting officials to expedite the process.
Upon completion, the ROB is expected to enhance connectivity, reduce traffic jams, promote economic growth, and ensure safer daily commutes for locals traveling across the region. Bista expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for prioritizing North Bengal’s development, and thanked the community for their participation in the ceremony.
This project aligns with ongoing efforts to boost rail and road networks in North Bengal, benefiting commuters and fostering regional progress.
