NH 10 Reopens for Light Vehicles and Heavy Goods Vehicles Up to 8 Tonnes: District Administration Issues Traffic Advisory

KalimNews, Kalimpong, September 6, 2024: The District Administration of Kalimpong has announced the partial reopening of National Highway 10 (NH 10), allowing the movement of light vehicles, buses, and heavy goods vehicles with a maximum of six wheels and a laden weight of up to 8 tonnes. This decision was made following extensive assessments of road conditions and safety measures in the region.

District Magistrate Balasubramanian T issued the notification permitting the movement of small vehicles, buses, and specific heavy goods vehicles along NH 10 from Seti Jhora to Rangpoo and vice versa. The movement of these vehicles will be allowed daily from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

New Traffic Guidelines and Restrictions: The reopening of NH 10 comes with several directives to ensure smooth traffic flow and public safety. The key points from the district administration's order are as follows:

Allowed Vehicles on NH 10: The movement of light vehicles, buses, and heavy goods vehicles with a maximum laden weight of up to 8 tonnes (maximum six-wheeler) is allowed between Seti Jhora and Rangpoo along NH 10. These vehicles are permitted to travel from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Kalimpong to Darjeeling Route: Only small vehicles are permitted to travel from Kalimpong to Darjeeling via State Highway 12 (SH 12) through Teesta Bazaar.

Heavy Vehicle Movement in Kalimpong: Heavy vehicles (laden weight up to 8 tonnes, maximum six-wheeler) destined for Kalimpong Town are allowed to enter the town area only between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. No heavy vehicles will be allowed to pass through Kalimpong Town for transit purposes until further notice.

Single Lane Traffic Regulations: To ensure safety and smooth traffic flow, single-lane traffic will be maintained at several points along the route, including:

Selfie Dara, Bhuichaley, Birik Dara, 26th Mile, 27th Mile, 28th Mile, and 29th Mile, Likhu Bhir, 6th Mile and 8th Mile and Andheri. 

The district administration has also mandated that necessary restrictions be imposed at key points, including Rangpoo Check Post, Reshi Check Post, Melli Bazaar, Chitrey, Rabi Jhora, Teesta Bazaar, and the 29th Mile along NH 10. These restrictions will be enforced by the traffic police to facilitate route diversions and manage the traffic flow effectively.

Restriction on Heavy Vehicles: The movement of all heavy vehicles with a laden weight above 8 tonnes remains restricted from Seti Jhora to Rangpoo along NH 10. Similarly, heavy vehicles above 8 tonnes are not allowed on routes from Gorubathan Pandara to Reshi via Lava, Algarah, and Pedong, as well as from Gorubathan Pandara to Kalimpong via Lava and Algarah.

Temporary Restrictions and Diversions: The district administration has also authorized the police to impose any necessary temporary restrictions or diversions for all types of vehicles on a case-by-case basis. This measure aims to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow in emergency situations or if road conditions worsen.

The recent decision to reopen NH 10 comes after the highway had been closed or restricted in parts due to adverse weather conditions and road damage. The heavy monsoon rains led to landslides and roadblocks, making sections of NH 10 dangerous for vehicular movement, especially for heavier vehicles.

The District Magistrate’s office has emphasized that the decision to reopen the highway in a phased manner is aimed at balancing the need for essential goods transportation and passenger movement with the imperative of public safety. "We have carefully assessed the conditions and are allowing controlled traffic to ensure the safety of the general public while restoring some level of normalcy," said District Magistrate Balasubramanian T.

NH 10 is a crucial arterial road connecting various regions in West Bengal, especially for the transportation of goods and passengers between Siliguri, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and Sikkim. The reopening of the highway, even with restrictions, is expected to provide significant relief to local traders, transport operators, and commuters who have faced disruptions for several weeks.

Local transport unions and residents have welcomed the district administration's decision, though they have urged continued monitoring and maintenance of the roads to prevent future disruptions.

The reopening of NH 10 for light vehicles and specific heavy goods vehicles up to 8 tonnes is a positive step towards restoring connectivity in the region. However, with several restrictions still in place and the possibility of temporary diversions, travelers are advised to remain vigilant and follow traffic advisories issued by the district administration and local police to ensure a safe journey.