The key arterial route connecting Sikkim to the rest of India — National Highway 10 (NH 10) — is set to experience intermittent closures on April 18 and 19 due to essential repair and maintenance work. Authorities have advised commuters and transporters to plan their journeys accordingly, as portions of the highway will remain temporarily inaccessible during designated hours on both days.
The decision comes as part of a scheduled infrastructure maintenance program by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) in collaboration with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the Sikkim state administration. The stretch targeted for repair lies between Rangpo and Singtam, a section that has been prone to landslides, potholes, and weather-induced degradation, especially during the monsoon season.
Why the Repair Is Crucial
NH 10 is Sikkim’s primary lifeline, connecting the capital city of Gangtok and other important regions of the state to Siliguri in West Bengal and further to the rest of India. It is the main route for the movement of goods, essential supplies, fuel, and passengers, and any disruption along this stretch typically leads to widespread inconvenience.
Due to frequent landslides, water seepage, and high vehicular load, the highway suffers from regular wear and tear. Authorities have observed worsening conditions over recent months, leading to the urgent need for restoration of road surfaces, strengthening of retaining walls, and improvement of drainage systems.
According to engineers on site, the repair work will involve asphalt relaying, patchwork, embankment stabilization, and replacement of damaged guardrails, all of which are essential to ensure the road’s safety and longevity ahead of the monsoon.
Timing and Closure Schedule
Officials have announced that the closures will be temporary and implemented in phases, rather than a complete shutdown of the highway. Specific time slots will be earmarked during which traffic will be halted in both directions, particularly in areas where heavy machinery or road-laying equipment needs to operate.
As per preliminary information:
- On April 18, partial closures are expected between 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and again between 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
- On April 19, traffic control will be imposed between 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and then from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Local authorities have assured that emergency vehicles, ambulances, and critical services will be given priority passage during the repair hours. Coordination with traffic police and district officials is in place to guide and manage commuters through alternative routes, if necessary.
Advisory to Commuters
The Sikkim Road Transport Department and District Magistrates of Pakyong and Gangtok have jointly issued an advisory to residents, tourists, and transport operators to reschedule non-essential travel or use alternate timings to avoid delays. Public transport operators, including taxis and buses, have been briefed about the closure schedule.
Travelers en route to Bagdogra Airport, New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, or making their way to Gangtok and East Sikkim, are urged to stay updated through official communication channels, including local radio, WhatsApp groups, and highway control rooms.
Broader Implications
Though temporary, the closures are expected to cause short-term disruptions to traffic, freight deliveries, and tourist movement, especially with the ongoing spring travel season and school vacations. However, the public has largely welcomed the repair initiative, recognizing the long-term benefits of safer and more reliable infrastructure.
The NHIDCL has reiterated its commitment to minimizing inconvenience and completing the repair work within the designated window, weather permitting. Road maintenance crews have been deployed in advance to ensure readiness, and updates will be provided regularly through the state’s information department.
Looking Ahead
With Sikkim being a geographically sensitive and eco-fragile state, regular maintenance of key highways like NH 10 is imperative. As the region braces for the upcoming monsoon season, the repair work on April 18 and 19 is a proactive step to strengthen road resilience, prevent landslide-related blockages, and ensure the continuous movement of people and goods in the months ahead.
Residents and travelers are advised to cooperate with authorities and plan their journeys accordingly to navigate through this short-term but necessary disruption.