Siliguri: A "long-stalled" project for the construction of a healthcare centre and guest house at the Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) Bus Terminus in Siliguri, proposed by the Sikkim government, is finally set to proceed under the newly formed BJP government in West Bengal.

Expressing optimism over the project's future, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said the initiative, which had been "stalled during the previous Trinamool Congress regime, will now move forward with the cooperation of the BJP-led state government".

Speaking to the media on Sunday while attending a private programme in Siliguri, the Sikkim Chief Minister claimed: "The earlier Trinamool government's lack of cooperation had delayed the project for a long time. But now this project will restart. Discussions had already taken place."

The Sikkim government had earlier approached the West Bengal government seeking permission to develop a healthcare centre and state guest house at the SNT Bus Terminus. The initiative was primarily aimed at providing better facilities for passengers travelling from the hills to Siliguri for medical treatment and other purposes.

In March 2025, the foundation stone for the proposed project was laid by the Sikkim Chief Minister.

However, within hours of the foundation stone ceremony, the Siliguri Municipal Corporation reportedly stopped the work by issuing a notification stating that there were some parking- and document-related issues. As a result, the entire project came to a halt. The plan was to set up the healthcare facility and guest house on nearly 2.1 acres of land, including plans for a taxi parking zone and office complex. A total of Rs 197 crore had reportedly been allocated for this. The healthcare centre would have 50 rooms equipped with advanced medical facilities for passengers arriving from Sikkim. The facility was also expected to include specialist doctors and