The Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) has taken up an initiative to widen the Station Feeder Road, a prominent thoroughfare in Siliguri, in association with the state public works department (PWD) to ease traffic movement in the city.

On Sunday, Siliguri mayor Gautam Deb laid the foundation stone of the proposed widening work.

“The north Bengal construction division of the state PWD will carry out the task to widen the 1.3-kilometre stretch of this important road of the city. The estimated project cost is ₹5.47 crore,” the mayor said.

“The work would be completed by August next year,” he added.

Sources said that the Station Feeder Road will be widened by 3.75 metres on both sides.

Pavers’ blocks would be laid along these stretches to facilitate the movement of pedestrians.

There are plans of landscaping along this stretch as well, because the road, in many cases, helps visitors form their first impression of the city.

It is an important entry-cum-exit point of the city.

The road, commonly referred to as SF Road, connects Mahabirstan and the Siliguri Town Station with Jalpai More, a major intersection on Burdwan Road at the eastern end of Siliguri.

“Every day, thousands of people come to Siliguri through this road. Once it is widened, traffic movement will be smoother along the stretch,” the mayor added.

Sources in the SMC said that they had already carried out a primary survey of the road widening job.

It has been found that around 30 trees located on both sides of the road will be affected due to the widening work, said a source in the municipal corporation.

“None of these trees would be chopped off but will be scientifically uprooted and replanted in suitable places in the city,” the source said.

“Also, replanting work would be carried out along the sides of the road after the widening work is done,” the source added.