The central government has sought a feasibility report from the West Bengal government on constructing a ropeway between Darjeeling and Bijanbari. The initiative aims to boost tourism and ease travel across the terrain.
The proposal was first submitted a month ago by BJP MP Raju Bista, who argued that a ropeway link would not only strengthen communication but also enrich the region’s tourism potential. The project request was placed before the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways under the Centre’s National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE). Bista officially handed over the proposal to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
According to district administration sources, the Centre has now asked the state for a detailed feasibility report. The report must clarify the technical and environmental practicality of building a ropeway in the region, assess its necessity, outline the expected benefits, and identify any challenges. The Centre has also sought information on the ropeway’s proposed grade and its possible environmental impact.
Union Minister of State for Road Transport Ajay Tamta has separately written to the Darjeeling MP requesting further details. In addition, the Centre has asked Bista—who had earlier proposed an alternative road to Darjeeling—to prepare a detailed project report in coordination with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
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Speaking on the development, Bista said, “I had proposed to the Centre to construct a ropeway in the hills. The Minister of State has informed me that the work is moving forward. If an alternative route to Darjeeling can be developed through a ropeway, it will greatly benefit the tourism industry and the local economy.”
Earlier, the Darjeeling MP also urged the Centre to consider ropeway projects on three additional routes: Bijanbari–Darjeeling, Delo–Kalimpong, and Raleigh–Chittor. He further requested the construction of an alternative road from Siliguri to Dudhiya, Balasana, Dhotre, Ghum, and Darjeeling. Bista claims both proposals are receiving serious attention from the Union Ministry.
For now, however, the progress of the ropeway project hinges on the Bengal government’s feasibility report, which the Centre awaits before moving to the next stage.
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