Kolkata, 16 October (H.S.): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday urged tourists to revisit Darjeeling, assuring that safety measures and connectivity in the hill region have been largely restored following recent landslides. Speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the Mahakal Temple in Darjeeling, Banerjee said she had interacted with several tourists during her visit. “After the landslides, the number of visitors to the Hills declined sharply. We have already helped around 1,500 stranded tourists return safely. I now encourage everyone to come back and rediscover the beauty of Darjeeling,” she said .

The Chief Minister confirmed that the two key approach routes—via Tindharia and Pankhabari—are operational again, while restoration of the Rohini route will be completed within the next two weeks.During her inspection of the Mahakal Temple, Banerjee noted that elderly and differently-abled devotees struggle with the steep climb leading to the shrine. To address this, she directed officials to introduce an electric vehicle or “green car” service for easier accessibility. The Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA) has pledged to provide a vehicle to the temple committee for this initiative .

Banerjee also announced a major temple development project near Siliguri. “Just as we’ve developed Jagannath Dham and the upcoming Durgaangan at Rajarhat, a new Mahakal Temple complex is being planned near Siliguri,” she revealed. The complex will include a convention centre and other facilities. Land has been earmarked, a trust has been formed, and the Chief Minister has personally reviewed the architectural blueprint. The project will be developed with state support and implemented through a private trust .

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh