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Sikkim's vital lifeline, National Highway 10 (NH10), is going to be shut down completely. This means the traffic between Sikkim and its neighbor, West Bengal's Siliguri, will face restrictions for the upcoming week. The Kalimpong district administration in West Bengal made this announcement official.
Starting from May 6 to May 9, the vehicular traffic along NH 10 between Sikkim and Siliguri will be restricted. This is because the Public Works Department's National Highway Division needs to carry out important bituminous works between Rabi Jhora and Gail Khola on the West Bengal side of the border. Bituminous work is basically road maintenance that ensures safe travel for everyone.
The closure might affect tourism in Sikkim during its peak season. The bituminous work is happening along a stretch of about 28.80 km to 26.40 km from Rabi Jhora to Gail Khola along NH 10.
The decision to temporarily restrict traffic and redirect it comes after a request from the Executive Engineer 11 of the National Highway, Division IX, P.W (Roads). This work is crucial for keeping the road in good shape and ensuring safety for commuters.
The District Magistrate of Kalimpong, Sri Balasubramanian T., issued the order. It directs the temporary restriction and diversion of movement of all types of vehicles from Rabi Jhora to 29th Mile on NH 10, starting from 6:00 a.m. on May 6, 2024, until 6:00 a.m. on May 9, 2024.
During this time, vehicles won't be allowed from Rabi Jhora to 29th Mile via NH 10. However, there are alternative routes designated for different types of vehicles. Small vehicles can travel from Rangpoo towards Siliguri via Munsong 17 Mile Algarah - Lava- Gorubathan and vice versa all day and night. They can also move from Chitrey Kalimpong town Algarah-Lava Gorubathan to Siliguri and vice versa day and night.
On the other hand, goods vehicles can only move from Chitrey Kalimpong town Algarah Lava Gorubathan to Siliguri and vice versa from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Both goods vehicles and small vehicles can travel from Reshi Pedong Algarah Lava Gorubathan to Siliguri and vice versa at any time.
To make sure everything runs smoothly during this closure, traffic restrictions will be put in place at the Rangpoo Check post, Chitrey, and at the district border - NH-10 stretch.
This temporary closure and traffic diversion are necessary for essential road maintenance work and to make sure everyone stays safe while traveling along NH10 in Sikkim. It's important to note that these restrictions might affect tourism in the Himalayan state during its peak season. Sikkim has seen a lot of tourists visiting in the first quarter of 2024.
