Polling officials in Darjeeling have begun a demanding journey to reach one of the state's most remote polling stations, underscoring the logistical effort behind conducting elections in difficult terrain.
Long journey to a remote booth
The team is headed to Samden, located about 78 km from Darjeeling at an altitude of over 7,500 feet. The polling station, considered the last in West Bengal, has 191 registered voters.
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To get there, officials are undertaking a 16-hour journey that combines a long road trip with an 8-km trek through steep and forested terrain. While parts of the route are covered on foot, ponies are being used to transport personnel and election materials across challenging stretches.
Carefully planned logistics
Per The Times of India, officials said the movement of polling teams was planned in detail to ensure timely arrival. Darjeeling SDO Banomali Roy outlined the route and arrangements.
"The polling parties have left for Ramban polling station, which is being used as an intermediate temporary storage point. From there, they will proceed towards Samden Forest Primary School under Bijanbari block and will reach their destination the next day," Roy was quoted as saying by TOI.
The use of an intermediate halt allows teams to manage the terrain and safely carry essential materials required for polling.
Security arrangements in place
Authorities have also focused on ensuring security for both personnel and equipment during the journey and on polling day.
"There are 191 voters at the booth, and all necessary security measures have been put in place to ensure smooth polling," Roy added.
A unique polling experience
For some members of the team, the assignment is unlike any other. Ishan Bomzon, who works in the Income Tax department and is part of the polling crew, described the experience as both challenging and exciting.
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"Horses will be used—I have heard about it, but this is my first time. It's exciting. There's a lot of trekking involved; it feels more like going on a trek than a poll duty," he said.
The effort highlights the lengths officials go to ensure every voter, no matter how remote, can cast their ballot.
