Political Rallies, Haats, and Highway Repairs to Choke Sunday Traffic
Siliguri, April 19, 2026 — If you are planning to step out in Siliguri this Sunday, be prepared for significant delays. The Siliguri Traffic Police has issued a massive traffic advisory for April 19, warning citizens of severe slow-downs across the city’s main corridors due to a “perfect storm” of major political events, bustling Sunday markets, and ongoing infrastructure projects.
To avoid being stuck in gridlock, authorities have strongly advised commuters to follow designated diversions, especially if traveling to critical transit hubs like Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station.
Major Political Events to Disrupt Bagdogra Route
The biggest disruptions today will stem from two large-scale political gatherings in the Bagdogra and Matigara areas:
Massive Political Meeting: An estimated 4,000 to 5,000 people are expected to gather at the Shiv Mandir Atharakahai Ground (under Bagdogra Traffic Guard jurisdiction) starting from 12:00 PM onwards.
Political Bike Rally: From 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, a massive bike rally involving approximately 1,000 participants will pass through the Balasan Sub Traffic Guard limits. The rally will commence at Patiramjote, travel through Matigara, and conclude at Bagdogra.
Heavy Congestion Expected at Sunday ‘Haats’
Sunday market activities will further choke several key routes throughout the day. Commuters should expect slow-moving traffic around the following areas:
Tikia Para Hat (Jalpaimore): 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Phulshwari Bazar (NJP Bazar): 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Bagdogra Hat (Bagdogra): 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Ektiasal Hat (Ashighar): 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Balaram Hat (Canal Road): 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Ongoing Construction Zones
The police have also flagged several critical bottlenecks where ongoing repairs are restricting traffic flow:
Darjeeling More Crossing: Continuing development work makes this a major choke point. Avoid if possible.
NH-10: Highway repairs between Siliguri Gate and Champasari More, as well as a work zone in Salugara, require drivers to reduce speed significantly.
Sahudangi–Ambari Link Bridge: The bridge at Canal More remains closed for new construction. Use Nawapara More as an alternate route.
Crucial Diversions for Tourists and Commuters
To ensure travelers don’t miss their flights or trains, the Siliguri Traffic Police has mandated the following diversions:
To the Hills (Darjeeling, Kurseong, Mirik): Vehicles from Bagdogra Airport or NJP Station must use the Noukaghat route via Kawakhali and Khaprail Road.
To Bagdogra Airport: Vehicles coming from Jalpaiguri or descending from Darjeeling must completely avoid the Darjeeling More junction and take Khaprail Road instead.
To NJP Station: Avoid Sevoke Road. Utilize the Phansidewa Underpass via Kawakhali and Noukaghat.
From Sikkim & Kalimpong: Vehicles heading toward NJP or Bagdogra Airport must bypass the town by using the Eastern Bypass via the Bhaktinagar Check Post.
Goods Vehicles Strictly Restricted
To prevent total gridlock, heavy goods vehicles are prohibited from entering the town’s main arteries today:
Trucks coming from the Bagdogra/Paribahan Nagar side must avoid Darjeeling More and use the Phansidewa Underpass.
Goods vehicles descending from Sikkim and Kalimpong are restricted from Champasari and Darjeeling More, and must strictly route through the Eastern Bypass.
Commuters are urged to stay alert, cooperate with traffic personnel, and factor in extra travel time for their Sunday plans.
