January 19, 2026 Times of Dakshin Dinajpur
Kamal Kumar Biswas.TOD.Balurghat
Just days after assuming office, the newly appointed chairman of the Balurghat Municipality, Surajit Saha, has moved swiftly to signal a development-first agenda — beginning quite literally with the city’s streets.On Monday morning, Mr.Surajit Saha formally inaugurated a long-awaited road renovation project under the West Bengal government’s flagship Rasta Shree scheme, marking his first major public initiative since taking charge on January 17.
The project focuses on a key road in the Arya Samity Para area of Balurghat, which had fallen into severe disrepair over the years. Cracked surfaces, waterlogging and daily commuting difficulties had turned the road into a persistent source of frustration for local residents.Now, with a sanctioned budget of more than ₹9.49 lakh, restoration work is finally underway — bringing visible relief to the neighborhood.
“For years we have been requesting that this road be repaired,” said Babli Majumdar, a local resident. “We approached our councillor many times. It is a matter of happiness that the new chairman has chosen this as his first development work.”Local councillor Shipra Kha echoed the sentiment, noting that the demand for repairs had been pending for a long time. The start of construction, she said, reflects responsiveness to grassroots concerns.
Speaking at the inauguration, Mr.Surajit Saha said the project would be completed under the Rasta Shree scheme and would directly benefit ordinary citizens. “This road will be rebuilt at a cost of more than nine lakh rupees,” he said. “Our priority is to improve basic civic infrastructure so that people feel the change in their daily lives.”
The symbolism of the move was not lost on residents. By beginning his tenure with a long-neglected local road rather than a ceremonial announcement, the new chairman appears eager to project a hands-on approach to governance.For the people of Arya Samity Para, the initiative represents more than asphalt and concrete. It is an early test of whether promises of urban renewal will translate into sustained action — one street at a time.
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