Efforts on to reopen NH 10 at Likhuvir, cutting the wall of rocks: To reopen possibly on or a few days after 19th October

YOWAN MOTHAY, EOI, KALIMPONG, OCTOBER 16, 2023 : Efforts are on to reopen National Highway 10 to traffic at Likhuvir by cutting into the wall of rocks. 

Traffic on the damaged stretch of NH 10 may be opened to one-way traffic for small vehicles after the National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) completes its task. 

The closure of NH 10, considered the lifeline of Sikkim, has hit Sikkim and Kalimpong hard. Sikkim-bound vehicles now have to take a circuitous route via Kalimpong. 

The route is long and the fares are also high. In the stretch running through West Bengal, NH 10 is now blocked at three places. 

A one-way traffic has resumed between Melli and Rambhi. Traffic has also resumed in Ravijhora. Between Gelikhola and Teesta, it has not been possible to reopen the road to traffic as it is blocked in many places within a stretch of about two kilometres. 

The closure of the national highway is having a wide impact on the economy. Local businessmen say the closure of the highway has hit the market and commerce. 

The reopening of NH 10 will bring much relief to the people of Sikkim and Kalimpong. 

(KN Ed: Possibly on or a few days after 19th October NH 10 will be open from Tista via Coronation bridge to Siliguri.)