The Government of India is set to launch a Rs31.2bn ($577.7m) road project in the state of West Bengal under Phase II of its National Highways Development Project (NHDP).

The new road project, which involves four laning the Ghoshpukur-Falakata-Salsalabari stretch of National Highway-31D (NH-31D) with paved side shoulders (PSS), has received approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).

To be carried out under design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) basis in build-operate-transfer (BOT) (Toll) mode of delivery, the project to widen 155-km stretch will speed up improvement of state’s infrastructure.

The development will cut the time and cost of travel, particularly heavy traffic, on NH-31D between Ghoshpukur, Falakata and Salsalabari.

"The development will cut the time and cost of travel, particularly heavy traffic, on NH-31D between Ghoshpukur, Falakata and Salsalabari."

A part of east-west corridor, the stretch is an important link for connectivity to North East, and will boost the socio-economic conditions of the region.

The project, which covers the districts of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Coochbihar, is also expected to raise employment opportunities for local labourers.

Total estimated cost of the project includes Rs9.07bn (168m) towards land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation, and other pre-construction activities.

CCEA has recently given approval for two road projects in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, with an investment of Rs12.29bn ($227.7m).

The two new projects to widen National Highway stretches in the two states will expedite the improvement of infrastructure in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, while improving the local socio-economic conditions.