Raiganj, Sept. 13 -- In a major move to ease traffic congestion in Raiganj town of North Dinajpur, Minister of State for Education and Raiganj MLA Kaushik Chowdhury has initiated steps to widen and strengthen a 9-km stretch of the old National Highway 34 and develop it as an alternative main road.
According to sources, after the construction of the bypass along NH 12, the old NH 34 stretch from Barduari to Rupahar has remained largely unused. The approximately 9-km road has also deteriorated at several places due to prolonged neglect. Around two years ago, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) handed over the road to the Public Works Department (PWD).
Chowdhury has now initiated a plan to widen and strengthen the road and convert it into a two-lane carriageway.
He recently held a meeting at Nabanna with PWD Minister Ajay Kumar Poddar, the department's Principal Secretary and senior engineers to discuss the proposed development.
"If the old NH 34 is widened and developed into a two-lane road, it can serve as an alternative main road for Raiganj town. This will help reduce traffic congestion and facilitate the expansion of the township. It will also create employment opportunities and help in the rehabilitation of hawkers. We have held discussions with the PWD Minister and officials, and an initiative has already been taken to strengthen and widen the road," Chowdhury said.
Raiganj Merchants' Association president Shantanu Das welcomed the initiative, describing it as an essential step.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.