Shortcuts on NH27 Spark Safety Concerns, Residents Cry for South India Train Link
NHAI Seeks Jalpaiguri Administration's Help; Balurghat Demands Express to South
Highway Shortcuts in Jalpaiguri Haunt Drivers, South Dinajpur Craves South India Train Link
Jalpaiguri & South Dinajpur, West Bengal: Residents of North Bengal find themselves caught between a highway hazard and a connectivity vacuum. On NH27, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) grapples with 47 illegal shortcuts, raising safety concerns, while residents of South Dinajpur yearn for a direct train link to South India.
Shortcut Maze on NH27: Along the 84km stretch of NH27 connecting Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, and Mainaguri, impatience prevails. Residents on both sides have carved illegal shortcuts through road dividers, jeopardizing the safety of two-wheelers, e-rickshaws, and even cars. NHAI, alarmed by the rising risk of accidents, has already closed 11 shortcuts but faces resistance from residents for the remaining.
"We have to travel extra kilometers for official U-turns," argues Subal Das from Balapara. "The NHAI should have provided more gaps." Similar frustrations simmer near the Raninagar industrial growth center, where shortcuts expedite access.
Seeking Support: Recognizing the gravity of the situation, NHAI has reached out to the Jalpaiguri district administration for assistance. District magistrate Shama Parveen has pledged full support, assuring action to close all illegal shortcuts.
Train Track to Distant Shores: While NH27 grapples with internal knots, South Dinajpur residents seek a connection to distant shores. The Balurghat-Eklakhi Rail o Unnayan Committee, led by Pijush Kanti Deb, has petitioned Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar for a train to South India.
"Many travel south for various reasons," explains Deb. "An extension of the Amrit Bharat Express from Malda to Balurghat would be a boon." The committee highlights the ongoing infrastructure development at Balurghat station, making it well-equipped for a new train connection.
Mjumdar, aware of the demand, pledges action: "We want a train to South India. I will pursue this at the appropriate time."
As NH27 shortcuts pose a safety threat and South Dinajpur yearns for a southern link, both issues await decisive action. Whether NHAI's collaboration with the administration can curb the shortcut menace and Majumdar's intervention can bring the South India train closer, remains to be seen.
