Sikkim: NH10 Partially Reopens After Being Shut For Over 35 Days

Landslides at multiple locations along NH-10, regarded as Sikkim's lifeline, had wreaked havoc disrupting communication between Sikkim with rest of the country

After being shut for over 35 days due to landslides, National Highway 10, a crucial link between Sikkim and Siliguri, has been partially reopened for light vehicles.

Landslides at multiple locations along NH-10, regarded as Sikkim’s lifeline, had wreaked havoc disrupting communication between Sikkim with rest of the country.

On October 4, 2023, heavy flooding caused by the swollen Teesta River eroded significant portions of the highway, disrupting traffic between Sikkim and Siliguri.

This disruption was compounded by another monsoon-induced road damage incident on June 6, 2024, which halted vehicle movement for nearly a month.

It may be mentioned here that the journey from Gangtok to Siliguri along NH-10 takes about three and a half hours. However, due to the road damage and subsequent restrictions imposed by the Kalimpong District Administration, all vehicles were rerouted via NH-717A.

This alternative route, spanning over 160 kilometers through Pakyong, Reshi, Pedong, Algara, Lava, Gorubathan, and Odlabari, significantly extended the travel time to around seven hours for light vehicles.

In contrast, the regular NH-10 route between Sikkim and Siliguri is just 120 kilometers long.

The prolonged detour caused considerable inconvenience to commuters and vehicles.

Meanwhile, repair works were ongoing at several stretches of NH-10, including Selfie Dara, Likhu Veer, 27th Mile, and Birik Dara.

It may be mentioned here that Kalimpong District Magistrate on July 30 issued an advisory permitting light vehicle movement along NH10 from 6 AM to 6 PM, in consultation with the West Bengal PWD and Roads Department. Heavy vehicles are still required to use the NH-717A route via Reshi.

It may be mentioned here that light vehicles can now travel to Siliguri from Rangpo via Mungpoo, providing an additional route for commuters.

However, restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles still remain.

Also Read: Multiple Landslides Hit Sikkim, Connectivity To Lachen Cut Off, NH10 Shut Again

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