Proposed Expressway by Indian Volunteers Trust: Lhonak to Birnakundi
The Indian Volunteers Trust proposes an expressway connecting Lhonak in Sikkim to Birnakundi in West Bengal. This new route aims to significantly reduce travel time and distance, enhancing connectivity and fostering regional development.
Route Details:
| Point | Region | Latitude | Longitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lhonak | Sikkim | 27.9288 | 88.39188 |
| DolmaSampa | Sikkim | 27.8822 | 88.37892 |
| Pelling City | Sikkim | 27.30169 | 88.23377 |
| Kurseong | West Bengal | 26.88353 | 88.27764 |
| Ghoshpukur | West Bengal | 26.5929 | 88.28786 |
| Birnakundi | West Bengal | 26.20297 | 88.24836 |
Benefits:
- Enhanced Connectivity: Provides a direct and efficient route linking key locations in Sikkim and West Bengal.
- Significant Reduction in Travel Time: Travel time is reduced from 13 hours and 26 minutes to just 1 hour and 56 minutes.
- Distance Savings: The proposed expressway will cover a distance of 194 km, compared to the current distance of 398 km.
Table of Savings:
| Metric | Current | Proposed | Savings | Percentage Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance (km) | 398 | 194 | 204 | 51.3% |
| Travel Time (hours) | 13.43 | 1.93 | 11.5 | 85.6% |
Route Overview:
- Starting from Lhonak, Sikkim
- Latitude: 27.9288
- Longitude: 88.39188
- Proceeding to DolmaSampa, Sikkim
- Latitude: 27.8822
- Longitude: 88.37892
- Continuing to Pelling City, Sikkim
- Latitude: 27.30169
- Longitude: 88.23377
- Heading to Kurseong, West Bengal
- Latitude: 26.88353
- Longitude: 88.27764
- Moving to Ghoshpukur, West Bengal
- Latitude: 26.5929
- Longitude: 88.28786
- Ending at Birnakundi, West Bengal
- Latitude: 26.20297
- Longitude: 88.24836
Purpose and Objectives:
- Improved Regional Connectivity: Facilitates faster and more efficient travel between major points in Sikkim and West Bengal.
- Economic Growth: Supports economic development by providing a quicker and more reliable transportation link.
- Tourism Promotion: Makes scenic destinations more accessible, boosting tourism in the region.
Conclusion:
The proposed expressway from Lhonak to Birnakundi offers significant benefits, including a substantial reduction in travel time and improved connectivity. By cutting the travel time from 13 hours and 26 minutes to just 1 hour and 56 minutes, this expressway will enhance mobility, support regional development, and contribute to a more connected northeastern region of India. The Indian Volunteers Trust’s proposal underscores a commitment to advancing infrastructure and improving regional accessibility.