This decision was made in response to alarming reports regarding the deteriorating condition of the road atop the barrage, which is an important alternative route linking Siliguri and Jalpaiguri and also serves traffic heading towards the Dooars.

Senior engineers from the Teesta Barrage Project had strongly recommended immediate repairs to prevent any potential mishaps. Consequently, the district administration approved the suspension of traffic to facilitate the necessary work.

Krishna Roy Barman, the sabhadhipati of the Jalpaiguri zilla parishad, stated that the condition of the road was precarious and posed a serious risk to commuters. She explained that the decision was made to prevent any untoward incidents.

To ensure public awareness, local block offices, police stations, and panchayats were instructed to spread the information about the suspension of vehicle movement.

Barman confirmed that repair work would begin on 27 April and was expected to take at least 140 days to complete.

News source: The Statesman