MUKESH SHARMA
Kalimpong, September 24:

For the 1st time in the hills, Kalimpong will be getting Traffic Signal installed likely within this year. The Sub Divisional Traffic Officer, Praveen Gurung informing about the same today said that after the recent primary level talks on this scheme, the implementation shall be initiated. The Kalimpong Municipality and Traffic Police are working towards successful implementation of this scheme which will improve the traffic and road safety conditions. The traffic signals will be installed at Thana Dara, Damber Chowk and 10th Mile. This step is being taken keeping in mind the ever increasing traffic issues and also to keep the traffic under 

control,notified Gurung.Likewise, he also mentioned that the Traffic Police have also suggested the Municipality to close the opening of the railings of the footpaths on the main road and only to keep 3 openings in front of which zebra crossings should be made. Due to the absence of traffic signals in the hills, the locals are not well aware of the signals and hence end up violating traffic rules while they drive at Siliguri. This is another problem which will be fixed after the signals are installed. Gurung also informed that they will be setting off traffic awareness programmes for the school children. The Traffic Police are beforehand bucking themselves up to tackle the traffic during the festive season followed by tourist and winter seasons. For this they are utilizing the newly constructed motor stand below Novelty Cinema Hall. The vehicles ferrying the travelers will drop them at the motor stand instead of entering the main town, and from there the passengers will be picked up by the local taxis. Similarly, Gurung also cautioned that those who park their bikes illegally at DS Gurung Road will face legal actions against them. A Police Help Centre Booth will soon be installed in the town to assist the tourists who visit Kalimpong. Lastly, he added that any organizations or individuals can also keep forward their suggestions in order to keep in control the traffic issue.