Bengal plans new hill township to ease overcrowding in Darjeeling
The Bengal government has greenlit a new hill township near Darjeeling to ease the tourist and population burden. Planned at Rangarun Tea Garden, the project aims at sustainable growth, with experts backing it—cautiously—while heritage and environment remain key concerns.
News Arena Network - Siliguri - UPDATED: May 28, 2025, 02:33 PM - 2 min read
A cloud of smoke engulfs a congested Darjeeling street, situated at 6,700 feet, in the popular West Bengal hill station.
To reduce mounting pressure on Darjeeling, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), under the directive of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has initiated plans to establish a new hill township. The initiative aims to decongest the popular hill station, burdened by a growing population and an ever-rising influx of tourists.
The proposed township is to be developed at Rangarun Tea Garden, located roughly 16 kilometres from Darjeeling. At a recent administrative meeting held at Uttarkanya in Siliguri, Mamata Banerjee stressed the need to construct satellite suburbs and tourist hubs to protect the fragile environment and cultural heritage of Darjeeling. Following her directive, the GTA identified Rangarun as a potential development site.
Photographs of the Rangarun Tea Garden in northern West Bengal's Darjeeling hills.
Darjeeling’s population exceeds 1.5 lakh, with over 6.5 lakh tourists visiting annually. A state survey conducted in 2001 noted Darjeeling as one of the most densely populated hill towns globally, with a density of 1,266 persons per square kilometre. The new township at Rangarun is now seen as a key step towards ensuring sustainable development in the region.
GTA chief executive Anit Thapa said, “After consulting with the GTA Secretary, District Magistrate and other officials, we have shortlisted a few locations. Among them, Rangarun Tea Garden has several advantages. We plan to shift the GTA and administrative offices there to ease traffic and reduce vehicle inflow into Darjeeling town.”
He added that the area is not only rich in natural beauty but also holds significant tourism potential. “Before finalising anything, we will seek public opinion and suggestions,” he said.
Experts have supported the initiative but urged caution. Geography professor Partha Roy emphasised the need for a thorough geographical survey before construction begins. “It’s important to assess water availability, transport infrastructure, waste management and other facilities,” he said.
Raj Basu, convener of the Association for Conservation and Tourism, welcomed the plan, describing it as a long-awaited move that would benefit both residents and tourists. Similarly, Samrat Sanyal, editor of the Himalayan Hospitality Travel and Tour Development Network, underscored the importance of stakeholder consultations and outreach to ensure success.
This is not the first time a satellite township has been proposed for the region. In 2002, the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) had planned a township in Lepchajagat, but the project was derailed due to land complications involving the forest department.
In contrast, Rangarun Tea Garden is not expected to encounter such hurdles, as the land can be more easily transferred. The area is already familiar to tourists and holds historical value—mountaineer Tenzing Norgay reportedly began one of his early trekking routes from Rangarun. The GTA has also built a 13-kilometre paved road linking the site via Lebong Road, significantly improving access.
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