NH-55 shifted to NHIDCL after MP Raju Bista’s push for better roads; big boost for Darjeeling

The central government has officially transferred the responsibility of maintaining and developing National Highway-55 (NH-55) to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL). This comes after repeated requests by Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, who had earlier written to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on February 12, 2025.

NH-55, which connects Darjeeling to Siliguri via Kurseong, is considered a lifeline for the people living in the hills. The road is not only important for regular commuters but is also vital for trade, tourism, and transport of goods and services. Until now, the highway was being managed by the West Bengal Public Works Department’s National Highway Division (WB PWD NH Division), but due to repeated complaints of poor maintenance and traffic issues, MP Raju Bista urged the central government to step in.

In his letter dated February 12, 2025, Raju Bista highlighted several serious problems faced by the people. He pointed out that the WB PWD NH Division had completely failed to maintain the road. Landslides that occurred years ago were still not repaired, leading to frequent traffic jams, road safety concerns, and delays. Local residents, tourists and businesses were suffering due to the bad condition of the road, which was full of potholes and congestion.

Bista also proposed a possible solution for expansion of the highway. He suggested that the NH-55 could be widened by levelling it with the tracks of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), which run parallel to the highway. This, he said, could help expand the road by 10 to 15 feet at certain stretches and greatly improve traffic flow. “The highway has not kept pace with the growing population and tourist footfall in the area,” Bista had written in his letter. “NHIDCL has the required technical knowledge, experience, and resources to carry out the expansion and maintenance work in a timely manner.”

Following this request, the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways has now handed over NH-55 (also known as NH-110) to NHIDCL. Reacting to the decision, Raju Bista issued a press statement on May 4, expressing his deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister Nitin Gadkari. “This is a historic and welcome step. I thank the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Minister for giving priority to the development of highway infrastructure in our region,” he said.

Bista further said that the transfer of responsibility to NHIDCL will ensure quicker repairs, better road maintenance, and more systematic planning of road projects. He said this move will not only make travelling easier for the locals but also help in promoting tourism and improving access to health, education, and emergency services.

The decision also has the potential to ease pressure on Siliguri and Darjeeling’s transport system, where traffic jams have become a regular issue. Several parts of NH-55 often get blocked during the monsoon, which not only delays transport but also puts lives at risk. NHIDCL, which has experience handling roads in hilly and difficult terrain is now expected to take up the challenge and start work without delay.