Raju Bista Raises Alarm Over Cracks in Newly-Built Selroti Loop Bridge

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Darjeeling MP Raises Alarm Over Cracks in Newly-Built Selroti Loop Bridge on NH-717A, Seeks Urgent Intervention from Nitin Gadkari:

 

Kalimpong Khabar News, May 20:

Darjeeling Lok Sabha MP Raju Bista has written to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, expressing grave concern over reports of visible cracks and land subsidence at the base of the newly constructed Selroti Loop Bridge—popularly known as the Snake Bridge—on NH-717A near Bagrakote in Kalimpong district.
In his letter, Bista referred to multiple local media reports highlighting structural damages to the bridge, which was completed just six months ago and is yet to be officially inaugurated. The damage, he noted, has raised fears of possible structural failure, especially as the monsoon season begins in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills.
Darjeeling Lok Sabha MP Raju Bista has written to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, expressing grave concern over reports of visible cracks and land subsidence at the base of the newly constructed Selroti Loop Bridge
“This stretch requires urgent intervention and reconstruction to avert potential accidents and ensure the safety of commuters,” Bista wrote, stressing that NH-717A has become a vital alternative route for travelers between Kalimpong, Sikkim, and Siliguri, especially in light of ongoing disruptions on NH-10.
The MP further highlighted local concerns over the absence of street lighting along the Selroti stretch, which increases the risk of accidents during night-time travel. He has called for the immediate installation of adequate lighting to improve road safety.
Bista has urged the Ministry to initiate a comprehensive review of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), construction quality, and agency performance associated with the bridge. He demanded accountability from those responsible for what he described as substandard work and called for immediate repair or reconstruction to restore public confidence in infrastructure projects executed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
“The early signs of damage have shaken people’s trust in NHIDCL, especially as the agency is implementing several other crucial projects in the region,” Bista said.
He concluded the letter by seeking urgent intervention from Minister Gadkari to ensure commuter safety and uphold the quality of national infrastructure in the region.