Malbazar (Jalpaiguri), March 1: Residents of the Dooars feel that the alternative route to Gangtok from Malbazar via Damdim, Gorubathan, Algara, Lava and Mongong will ensure a parallel road system that will boost the economy of this part of the Dooars.

The present route, NH-31C, passes through Sevoke, Teesta Bazar and Kalimpong. The route is not only prone to landslides but frequent bandhs called in Darjeeling hills often disrupt traffic flow in Sikkim. These factors had culminated in the demand for development of a parallel route.

The alternative road would help northeastern states facilitate trade with China through Nathu-la, since at present, the only route to Sikkim is through Darjeeling.

According to the proposed route plan, the alternative road will split into two different routes at Algara and meet again at Gangtok. One will follow the Malbazar-Gorubathan-Lava-Algara-Mongsong-Rangpo-Gangtok-Nathu-la route while the other road will run through Malbazar-Gorubathan-Lava-Algara-Pedong-Rishi-Ranipool-Gangtok and reach Nathu-la.

Gorubathan, famous for its historical and tourist spots, can be developed into a prime tourist hub in the Dooars and Kalimpong belt if the alternative road is constructed. “The available road is there. All we need to do is widen it. Some of the businessmen from Sikkim use the road even now. If implemented, the project would not only help us but also the people of Sikkim. We can promote this area as a tourist destination and also as a transit point for entering Sikkim,” said Shyam Thapa, a resident of Gorubathan and an active supporter of the project.

Avadesh Kumar Singh, a member of the Gorubathan business community, said: “If the alternative route is developed, we can get new investments from private entrepreneurs. Employment opportunities too would increase.”

“We had a meeting with the state tourism minister in December last year. He had asked for a survey report on the area. The alternative route would not only boost the economy of the Dooars but also of small hilly settlements like Gorubathan and Lava,” said Partha Das, the chairman of Malbazar Municipality.

Tourism minister Dinesh Dakua has promised to send the proposal to the state government soon. “We have already completed the survey. The development of the road is necessary to ensure the growth of trade and tourism in this area,” he said.