Local Organizations Demand Traffic Overhaul in Darjeeling
Darjeeling, September 4, 2024 [IST]: A mass rally from Ghoom to Darjeeling organized by local groups including Gorkha Jan Awaz and the Himalayan Transport Coordination Committee (HTCC) took place today, drawing attention to the severe traffic congestion in the hill town. This protest saw significant participation from transport associations and social organizations, who collectively submitted a memorandum to the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) outlining their immediate demands.
HTCC General Secretary Dilip Pradhan criticized the GTA for its inaction despite multiple appeals. Pradhan urged the GTA to convene a meeting involving the public, transport associations, and relevant departments to generate solutions for the ongoing traffic issues. Pradip Lama, a tour operator, cited the effective parking solutions implemented in Siliguri, such as designated parking areas on Hill Cart Road and Sevoke Road, which have notably reduced traffic problems there. He recommended similar measures for Darjeeling to alleviate its frequent traffic jams.
Additionally, Lama highlighted the complications introduced by large NBSTC buses navigating Darjeeling’s narrow, winding streets. He suggested that smaller buses would be more suitable and proposed that the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway consider aligning its tracks with the roads between Rangbull and Darjeeling to decrease road congestion.
Sumit Mukherjee of the Siliguri-Darjeeling Taxi Association expressed concerns about the negative impact of persistent traffic jams on tourism, which is crucial to the local economy. According to Mukherjee, tourists are increasingly deterred by the traffic chaos, potentially harming the livelihoods of many local businesses. Taxi driver Punam Rai echoed these sentiments, stressing the urgency of addressing traffic issues as the tourist season approaches. Rai expressed hope that the rally would prompt immediate administrative action to improve road conditions, thereby supporting local businesses and enhancing the visitor experience.
Original Story https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/local-organizations-push-for-traffic-overhaul-in-darjeeling
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