The tender process for the construction of the second Sevoke Bridge over the Teesta River in Darjeeling district has been cancelled due to administrative reasons, officials confirmed. The proposed bridge was planned to connect Sevoke with Ellenbari, aiming to significantly improve connectivity in the strategically important North Bengal region.
The project, often referred to as the second Sevoke Bridge, was expected to ease traffic congestion on the existing Coronation Bridge, a key link between the plains of North Bengal and the hill districts, including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and parts of Sikkim. With increasing vehicular movement, especially of commercial and defense traffic, the need for an additional crossing over the Teesta River has been long felt.
According to sources, the cancellation of the tender does not indicate a scrapping of the project. Instead, it is being seen as a procedural step, possibly due to technical, financial, or compliance-related issues in the bidding process. Authorities are likely to review the tender conditions and reissue it after necessary revisions to ensure smoother execution and transparency.
The proposed bridge holds strategic as well as economic significance. It would provide an alternative route in case of disruptions on the existing bridge, which is prone to heavy load and weather-related vulnerabilities. Additionally, improved connectivity is expected to boost tourism in the Darjeeling hills and facilitate faster movement of goods and essential supplies.
Local stakeholders and residents have expressed concern over the delay but remain hopeful that the project will be revived soon. Many believe that timely completion of the second bridge is crucial for regional development and disaster resilience, especially given the frequent landslides and road blockages in the area.
Officials have not yet announced a revised timeline for reissuing the tender. However, administrative sources indicate that the government remains committed to the project and is working to address the issues that led to the cancellation.
The development comes at a time when infrastructure projects in North Bengal are being closely watched, given their importance for connectivity, trade, and national security in the eastern Himalayan region.
