Alipurduar, Sept. 1 -- The proposed four-laning of two key highway stretches in North Bengal has sparked concern among traders and residents, with many fearing large-scale displacement if the projects are implemented.
The National Highways Authority has issued a notification for surveys and the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for two stretches-25.5 km of NH-17 from Birpara to Falakata and 22.5 km of NH-517 from Jhumur in Dhupguri through Gayerkata to Telipara More. A total of Rs 2.81 crore has been allocated for the preliminary work, including the survey and DPR preparation.
The proposal has caused anxiety among residents and business owners in Falakata, Jateshwar, Ethelbari, Gayerkata and Dhupguri.
They fear that widening the highways could result in evictions, particularly as several major commercial centres have developed along both sides of the existing roads.
Residents are especially concerned about the possible impact on Falakata, Gayerkata and Dhupguri towns, where large numbers of shops and businesses are located along the highway.
Questions have also been raised over the timing of the proposal. NH-17 was upgraded to a two-lane highway in 2017 at a cost of several hundred crores of rupees.
Residents are questioning why a four-lane road was not planned initially, as the Centre may now have to spend substantially again to upgrade the highway within a decade.
NH-10 Division Executive Engineer Jitendra Patel said: "The National Highways Authority has decided to conduct a survey and prepare a DPR for now as part of a plan to convert two sections of NH-17 from two lanes to four lanes."
Falakata Traders' Association president Rana Chowdhury said:
"If NH-17 is converted into a four-lane highway, a large part of Falakata town will cease to exist. Where will the people go? We are extremely concerned. We will approach the administration as soon as possible."
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.