NH 10 opened to small vehicles:

SANJAY AGARWAL, EOI, RANGPO, MARCH 28, 2024 : Soon after the intervention of Darjeeling M.P. Raju Bista, the National Highway 10 that had been temporarily closed to traffic due to landslides at Likhuvir and Rabi jhora in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal was reopened for small vehicles on Wednesday.

The closure, which was announced by the Kalimpong District Administration on March 24 following the landslides, had disrupted travel along the route.

In a notification issued by the District Administration, it was clarified that the National Highway was now accessible for small vehicles. The decision to reopen the road came as a relief for travelers who were facing inconvenience due to the closure.

According to the notification, small vehicles, including cars and two-wheelers, were permitted to ply on the route. However, buses would, however, be allowed to operate between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., ensuring safer travel conditions during daylight hours.

Goods vehicles were not being permitted to ply on this route. Instead, they were required to utilize alternative routes during specified hours. They could use the Chitrey-Kalimpong Town-Algara-Lava-Gorubathan route from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. every night. Alternatively, the Reshi-Pedong-Algara-Lava-Gorubathan-Siliguri route was available for goods vehicles to use round the clock.

The reopening of the National Highway for small vehicles and the implementation of specific timings for bus operations aimed to facilitate smoother travel for commuters while ensuring safety and minimizing the risk of further disruptions due to landslides. 

Travelers are advised to adhere to the guidelines and timings prescribed by the District Administration and exercise caution while navigating the route; especially in areas prone to landslides and during adverse weather conditions