The West Bengal government has sanctioned the transfer of seven national highway stretches to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) as of May 17, 2026. This decision facilitates the commencement of long-awaited infrastructure projects across critical road corridors in the state.
Previously managed by the state’s Public Works Department, these highways’ transfer had been delayed for nearly a year despite persistent appeals from the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. A press release from the chief secretary’s office confirmed that the formal handover would now allow central agencies to proceed without further hindrance.
The highways include 329.6 km of NH-312, linking Jangipur, Omarpur, Krishnagar, Bongaon, and Basirhat up to the India-Bangladesh border, as well as NH-31 from the Bihar-West Bengal border to Gazole, and NH-33 extending to Farakka. Additionally, the Sevoke Army Cantonment-Coronation Bridge-Kalimpong-West Bengal-Sikkim border route under NH-10 has been transferred to NHIDCL.
This strategic move is expected to bolster connectivity to neighboring regions such as Sikkim, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, while also enhancing links between North Bengal and the Dooars. It is anticipated to improve the Bihar-West Bengal corridor through Malda and Murshidabad, thereby strengthening ties in Nadia and North 24 Parganas up to the Bangladesh border at Ghojadanga.
The state government emphasized that these approvals are part of a broader initiative to ensure coordinated execution of vital national infrastructure projects, paving the way for enhanced regional development.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, May 18, 2026
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