Government approves Rs 3,120 cr highway projects in West Bengal

NEW DELHI: The government today approved a Rs 3,120 crore road project in West Bengal under its flagship road development programme - NHDP.

"The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval for four laning with Paved Side Shoulders of the Ghoshpukur-Falakata-Salsalabari section of National Highway- 31D in West Bengal under the National Highways Development Project (NHDP) Phase II, on Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer basis in build, Operate and transfer mode of delivery," an official statement said.

The project cost for 155 km stretch is estimated at Rs 3,120 crore including the cost of Rs 907.60 crore towards land acquisition, re-settlement and rehabilitation and other pre-construction activities, it said.

"The project will expedite improvement of infrastructure in the state of West Bengal and also reduce the time and cost of travel for traffic, particularly heavy traffic, plying on NH-31D between Ghoshpukur, Falakata and Salsalabari," it said.

This stretch is a part of East-West corridor envisaged under NHDP-Phase II, and is a vital link for connectivity to North East.

The statement said the stretch will help in uplifting the socio-economic condition of the region, besides increasing employment potential for local labourers.

The project covers the districts of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Coochbihar in West Bengal.