Darjeeling MP Raju Bista Meets PM Modi, Highlights Infrastructure Push and Invites Visit to Hills
New Delhi, February 11, 2026 — Darjeeling Member of Parliament Raju Bista meets PM Modi on Tuesday, expressing gratitude for what he described as increased central focus on infrastructure development in the Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars. The meeting also included a formal invitation for the Prime Minister to visit the region in the near future.
In a statement issued after the meeting, Bista said the interaction was aimed at conveying the concerns and aspirations of people from North Bengal while acknowledging recent announcements that could significantly impact regional connectivity and economic growth.
Focus on Connectivity and Infrastructure
One of the key developments discussed during the meeting was the proposed high-speed bullet train corridor connecting Siliguri to Varanasi, a project that, if implemented as announced, could transform long-distance travel and trade routes linking eastern and northern India.
Bista said the proposed rail corridor would improve mobility for residents of the Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars by strengthening Siliguri’s position as a major transit hub. Siliguri, often referred to as the gateway to the Northeast, plays a strategic role in linking mainland India with the northeastern states as well as neighbouring countries.
According to the MP, the Prime Minister has placed the region among priority areas for development, with a focus on closing longstanding infrastructure gaps. “For decades after independence, our region, despite its national importance, remained deprived of basic infrastructure,” Bista stated. He added that improved roads, rail connectivity, and public services are essential for accelerating economic opportunities in the hills and adjoining plains.
Historical Challenges in the Region
The Darjeeling hills, along with the Terai and Dooars belt of North Bengal, have historically faced logistical and developmental challenges. Mountainous terrain, limited industrial presence, and complex administrative structures have often slowed infrastructure expansion.
Observers note that the region’s geographic sensitivity—particularly the narrow Siliguri Corridor that connects India to its northeastern states—adds to its strategic significance. However, residents have frequently raised concerns over uneven development, lack of large-scale investment, and limited employment opportunities beyond tourism and tea plantations.
Bista, in his remarks, suggested that the current phase of infrastructure planning signals a shift in approach. He said the central government is working to address issues that have persisted across generations, including connectivity bottlenecks and access to essential services.
Invitation to the Prime Minister
During the meeting, Bista extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit the Darjeeling region. Such a visit, he said, would be meaningful for residents who wish to directly convey their expectations and experiences to the country’s top leadership.
While no official date for a potential visit was announced, political observers note that high-profile visits often coincide with major project announcements or review meetings. A visit to the hills would also carry symbolic value, particularly at a time when infrastructure development and regional aspirations remain central themes in North Bengal politics.
Broader Political Context
The meeting comes ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, when infrastructure and regional development are expected to feature prominently in campaign narratives. Leaders across parties have consistently highlighted connectivity, economic growth, and administrative responsiveness as key issues in the hills and adjoining plains.
Political analysts say development-related announcements can influence public perception, especially in regions that have long demanded greater central attention. At the same time, opposition leaders in the state have previously urged that project proposals be backed by clear timelines and transparent implementation plans.
As of now, detailed technical and financial specifics of the proposed high-speed corridor have not been made public, and experts emphasize that large-scale rail projects typically require extensive feasibility studies and phased approvals.
Regional Aspirations and Future Outlook
Residents of the Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars have often voiced aspirations for improved infrastructure, better educational and healthcare facilities, and expanded employment prospects. Enhanced connectivity, particularly through rail and road networks, is widely viewed as a potential catalyst for tourism, trade, and small-scale industries.
Bista described the meeting as an opportunity to reiterate these aspirations at the highest level. He thanked the Prime Minister for taking time to listen to concerns from the region and for what he termed a commitment to accelerating development initiatives.
As discussions around infrastructure projects continue, attention will now turn to policy follow-through, budget allocations, and on-ground execution. For residents of North Bengal, the coming months are likely to reveal how proposed plans translate into measurable progress.
Whether through improved rail links or expanded public works, the long-term impact will depend not only on announcements but also on sustained coordination between central and state authorities. For now, the meeting signals continued engagement between Darjeeling’s parliamentary representative and the Union government on issues central to the region’s development trajectory.
