
Darjeeling-Siliguri Highway, May 20, 2026: A taxi driver plying on the busy Darjeeling-Siliguri Highway was allegedly harassed and threatened by a police vehicle driver attached to a VIP convoy, sparking outrage among local motorists.
According to reports, the incident occurred during a traffic jam caused by the movement of a VIP convoy. The taxi driver was reportedly maintaining his correct side of the road when a police vehicle from the convoy allegedly came from the wrong direction. When the taxi driver objected to the manoeuvre, the police driver allegedly misbehaved with him and issued threats.
The episode has once again highlighted the recurring friction between ordinary commuters and security personnel during VIP movements on the narrow hill highway (NH-10). Many locals have expressed frustration over frequent traffic disruptions and what they perceive as high-handed behaviour by escort vehicles.
This is not the first time such complaints have surfaced on this route. Taxi operators and daily commuters often face difficulties due to sudden road blockages and aggressive driving by convoy vehicles, especially during peak hours.
Authorities are yet to issue any official statement regarding the incident. No formal complaint details have been made public so far.
The Darjeeling-Siliguri Highway remains a critical lifeline connecting the hills with the plains, and incidents like these often fuel demands for stricter protocols and greater accountability during VIP escorts to ensure smoother traffic flow and safety for all road users.