Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, announced a Rs

Why in news

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced a ₹2,077.18 crore project to four-lane a section of NH-327 to improve connectivity to Northeast India and Nepal.

Background

The project covers a 31.02-km stretch of NH-327 in Darjeeling district, West Bengal. It includes three major bridges, one Road Over Bridge (ROB), five elephant underpasses, and service roads.

Facts for Prelims

• PlaceNH-327: A major highway connecting West Bengal to the Northeast and Nepal.
• FactProject Cost: ₹2,077.18 crore for the Bagdogra-Panitanki-Kharibari-Galgalia section.
• EnvironmentElephant underpasses are specifically designed to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in the region.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the significance of improving infrastructure in the Northeast region for India's strategic connectivity and trade with Nepal.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Strategic connectivity to Nepal
• Economic integration of Northeast India
• Biodiversity conservation via wildlife corridors

Keywords: Strategic connectivity · Regional infrastructure · Human-wildlife conflict · Economic integration

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