The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has approached the Jalpaiguri district administration, seeking its intervention to close some illegal shortcuts created on a four-lane stretch of NH27 from the outskirts of Siliguri to Dhupguri.

Along the 84km stretch, which also connects Jalpaiguri and Mainaguri, the NHAI has found 47 illegal shortcuts which, they said, have increased the risk of accidents on the highway.

“Some residents on both sides of the highway have broken road dividers in the middle of the four-lane road. They are using these shortcuts instead of taking designated turnaround routes,” said a source in NHAI.

The illegal shortcut created by breaking the divider at NH27 near Balapara of Jalpaiguri.

According to them, two-wheelers, e-rickshaws, tractors and even cars move through these illegal shortcuts.

“There had been several minor road accidents. We are apprehensive of a major accident.... There is no signage ahead of these locations to alert speeding drivers, unlike the stretches which we have officially left vacant,” the source added.

So far, the NHAI has closed 11 illegal shortcuts. For the rest, they have sought administrative help as residents are resorting to protests, the source said.

“We have to travel at least 3km-4km extra to move to the other lane. For example, if I need to go to Jalpaiguri, I have to move towards the Teesta Bridge and then take a U-turn. That is why these shortcuts have been created. The NHAI should have left more official gaps between the dividers,” said Subal Das of Balapara, on the outskirts of Jalpaiguri town.

Also, near the Raninagar industrial growth centre, shortcuts can be seen where portions of the concrete divider have been broken to create passages.

“To enter the industrial centre from Jalpaiguri, one has to travel extra to move to the other side of the highway. The shortcut saves time and fuel,” said Bipul Mondal, a resident of Raninagar.

Shama Parveen, the district magistrate, asked the NHAI to close all illegal shortcuts, said sources.

The administration will extend all help in this regard, said an official of the district administration.

Train demand

Residents of South Dinajpur have demanded a train to south India and have sent a letter to their local MP, Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar, seeking his intervention.

Last Saturday, members of the Balurghat-Eklakhi Rail o Unnayan Committee held a meeting to press for the issue.

Pijush Kanti Deb, secretary of the committee, said many people, including migrant workers, students, patients and others visit the southern states for employment, education, medical treatment and other reasons.

“Recently, we have come to know that an Amrit Bharat Express would be introduced from Malda to Bangalore. We want the railways to extend this train service till Balurghat. This will help residents of both Malda as well as South Dinajpur,” he said.

After the meeting, the committee handed over a letter to Majumdar, the Balurghat MP.

“He should take up the issue with the railway ministry so that the demand is met. In Balurghat station, infrastructure development has started. Construction of the third platform and pit line are in progress and we believe it would be adequate to handle a new train that will connect south India,” Deb added.

Contacted, Majumdar said he was waiting for the infrastructure work to end. “We also want a train to south India. I am aware of the committee’s demand and will act at an appropriate time,” he said.