Siliguri corridor gets major highway boost! Centre approves ₹2,077 crore NH-327 four-laning plan
The project is expected to give a major boost to road infrastructure in North Bengal and strengthen connectivity along the strategically important Siliguri Corridor
- Sep 3, 2026,
- Updated Sep 3, 2026 9:55 PM IST
The Highway Ministry has approved ₹2,077.18 crore for the four-laning of a 31.2-kilometre stretch of National Highway-327 connecting Bagdogra, Panitanki, Kharibari, and Gagalia in West Bengal's Darjeeling district, Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari said on Thursday.
₹2,077 crore investment in NH-327
The project is expected to give a major boost to road infrastructure in North Bengal and strengthen connectivity along the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, which serves as a key link between mainland India and the northeastern states.
According to Gadkari, the proposed highway development will include three major bridges, one Road Over Bridge (ROB), five elephant underpasses, and service roads on both sides of the highway.
READ THIS: Stuck in Delhi traffic? This ₹454-crore, 61-km road corridor could make your commute easier
Focus on safer movement for people and wildlife
The project has been planned to improve traffic movement while also addressing road safety and wildlife protection in the region.
“The project will include the construction of 3 major bridges, 1 Road Over Bridge (ROB), 5 elephant underpasses and service roads on both sides, strengthening connectivity while ensuring safer movement for both people and wildlife,” Gadkari said in his X post.
The inclusion of five elephant underpasses is particularly significant for North Bengal, where elephant movement across highways has raised concerns over human-wildlife conflicts. Dedicated crossings are expected to allow wildlife to move more safely while reducing the risk of accidents involving vehicles.
Better connectivity to Bagdogra, Naxalbari and Panitanki
The four-laning is expected to ease congestion on the existing highway and improve connectivity between Bagdogra, Naxalbari, Kharibari, and Panitanki.
The stretch is also important because of its proximity to Bagdogra Airport and its links to key commercial and transportation centres. Improved road infrastructure could facilitate faster movement of passengers and goods across the region.
ALSO READ: BS-VII emission norms draft expected in 2 months: MoRTH Secretary V Umashankar
Boost for agriculture, horticulture and tea
The upgraded highway is expected to support the movement of agricultural, horticultural, and tea products from North Bengal to larger markets.
The region is a major producer of tea and other agricultural products, making efficient road connectivity important for reducing transportation delays, improving logistics and providing producers better access to markets.
Strategic importance of Siliguri corridor
The project will also strengthen connectivity towards Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, increasing the strategic and economic importance of the highway network in the region.
The Siliguri Corridor is a crucial transit route connecting the northeastern states with the rest of India. Better road infrastructure could support regional trade, tourism, logistics, and passenger movement.
The Highway Ministry has approved ₹2,077.18 crore for the four-laning of a 31.2-kilometre stretch of National Highway-327 connecting Bagdogra, Panitanki, Kharibari, and Gagalia in West Bengal's Darjeeling district, Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari said on Thursday.
₹2,077 crore investment in NH-327
The project is expected to give a major boost to road infrastructure in North Bengal and strengthen connectivity along the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, which serves as a key link between mainland India and the northeastern states.
According to Gadkari, the proposed highway development will include three major bridges, one Road Over Bridge (ROB), five elephant underpasses, and service roads on both sides of the highway.
READ THIS: Stuck in Delhi traffic? This ₹454-crore, 61-km road corridor could make your commute easier
Focus on safer movement for people and wildlife
The project has been planned to improve traffic movement while also addressing road safety and wildlife protection in the region.
“The project will include the construction of 3 major bridges, 1 Road Over Bridge (ROB), 5 elephant underpasses and service roads on both sides, strengthening connectivity while ensuring safer movement for both people and wildlife,” Gadkari said in his X post.
The inclusion of five elephant underpasses is particularly significant for North Bengal, where elephant movement across highways has raised concerns over human-wildlife conflicts. Dedicated crossings are expected to allow wildlife to move more safely while reducing the risk of accidents involving vehicles.
Better connectivity to Bagdogra, Naxalbari and Panitanki
The four-laning is expected to ease congestion on the existing highway and improve connectivity between Bagdogra, Naxalbari, Kharibari, and Panitanki.
The stretch is also important because of its proximity to Bagdogra Airport and its links to key commercial and transportation centres. Improved road infrastructure could facilitate faster movement of passengers and goods across the region.
ALSO READ: BS-VII emission norms draft expected in 2 months: MoRTH Secretary V Umashankar
Boost for agriculture, horticulture and tea
The upgraded highway is expected to support the movement of agricultural, horticultural, and tea products from North Bengal to larger markets.
The region is a major producer of tea and other agricultural products, making efficient road connectivity important for reducing transportation delays, improving logistics and providing producers better access to markets.
Strategic importance of Siliguri corridor
The project will also strengthen connectivity towards Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, increasing the strategic and economic importance of the highway network in the region.
The Siliguri Corridor is a crucial transit route connecting the northeastern states with the rest of India. Better road infrastructure could support regional trade, tourism, logistics, and passenger movement.