Kalimpong

Kalimpong is part of the Darjeeling district and is also the centre of the Kalimpong Subdivision. Here while referring to Kalimpong, we will be referring to the Kalimpong Subdivision.

Area
Kalimpong Subdivision has been divided into Kalimpong-I, Kalimpong-II and Gorubathan.

Transport Infrastructure
The main road running through Kalimpong is the SH12 and is connected to Siliguri via the NH31A which goes on to connect Gangtok. The internal roads are managed by the Public Works Department (PWD) and are usually in very bad shape. Roads in the main town area are very thin and is a constant source of traffic jams. Parked cars add to the thinning of the already thin roads. The existing roads are covered with pot holes and the monsoon makes them worse. The task of fixing and widening existing roads and building alternate roads must be taken up immediately.

Good roads are extremely important for tourism and also for the locals to travel quickly between places. Encroachment must be avoided to maximize the road space utilization. With the increasing number of vehicles on the roads of Kalimpong the Transport Infrastructure must be improved to keep the traffic smooth. Please visit the Transport Infrastructure page for further details.

Energy Infrastructure
Power cuts and voltage fluctuations have been there since the beginning and not much is being done about it. Many areas of Kalimpong still do not have electric supply and in places where there is power, the low voltage often makes one wonder whether it actually is of any use.

Existing power infrastructure needs to be upgraded and new renewable sources of energy must be investigated. Feasibility studies of Solar, Hydro, Wind and Bio Energy sources must be done and feasible options must be explored.

Please visit the Energy Infrastructure page for further details.

Water Infrastructure
This is a basic necessity that should be the topmost priority. A constant supply of water for daily needs and access to clean drinking water. In spite of getting more than 2000 mm of annual rainfall and the numerous streams and springs, Kalimpong is plagued by water shortage.

Please visit the Water Infrastructure page for further details.

Communications Infrastructure
In today's world, communication is not a luxury but a necessity. You must know what's happening in the world and the world must know what's happening with you. Communication is one of the core necessities of business, knowledge sharing and feedback gathering. How can Tourism thrive if you cannot let the world know about your town? The whole of the IT industry is waiting to be tapped in. A controlled IT industry could be exactly the kind of industry that can flourish in the hills without negatively impacting the ecology.

Mobile communication, Wireless and Broadband internet is a must and should be looked into immediately. More importance should be given to wireless communication than wired as it is easier to maintain, can reach a larger customer base and at the same time keep the hills clean from wires. Maintenance would definitely be easier.

Please visit the Communications Infrastructure page for further details

Economy
Please visit the Economy page for further details.

Education
Kalimpong is famous for her education and there are a number of very good schools, where students from all over the world come to study. Different curricula followed include ICSE, CBSE and WBBSE. However quality education is limited to primary and secondary level of education and there are hardly any notable colleges or technical institutions. According to the 2001 census, the literacy rate was 78.77% : male - 84% and female - 73%.

Please visit the Education page for further details.

Health
Please visit the Health page for further details.