NH 10 Partially Reopened for Small Vehicles After Month-Long Closure: Advisory Issued

Screengrab  of vehicular movement in NH 10: Source & Courtesy Palden Dukpa

KalimNews, Kalimpong, 30 July 2024: Almost a month after its complete closure, NH 10 is now open with some advisories issued on 30 July 2024, allowing the movement of small vehicles on certain stretches starting from 31 July 2024. This order, issued by the District Magistrate of Kalimpong, comes as a recommendation for partially lifting the ongoing restrictions previously imposed on the highway. The first notice of partial restriction on NH 10 was issued on 13 June, while a complete restriction was imposed starting from 2 July. 

District Magistrate Balasubramanian T, cited several arrangements in his order:

Restrictions on Heavy Vehicles:

The movement of all heavy vehicles is restricted from Chitrey to Seti Jhora and vice versa via NH 10.

SH12- Photo Courtesy: Prafulla Rao, STH

Similarly, heavy vehicles are restricted from Rabi Jhora to Teesta Bazar on SH 12 until further notice.

Intermittent Closures on SH 12:

The stretch from Rabi Jhora to Teesta Bazaar towards Darjeeling via Peshok faces frequent inundation and subsidence at several spots.

Repair works are ongoing, but the road may experience intermittent closures depending on prevailing conditions.

Only light motor vehicles are permitted to move on SH 12 with these intermittent restrictions.

Light Motor Vehicle Movement on NH 10:

Light motor vehicles are allowed to move from Chitrey to Seti Jhora and vice versa daily from 6 AM to 6 PM until further notice.

There will be single-lane traffic at Selfie Danra, Birrick Danra, 27th Mile, Likhu Bhir, and Andheri Jhora.

Alternative Routes for Heavy Vehicles:

As before, goods vehicles, buses, and other heavy vehicles are directed to continue plying via Reshi-Pedong-Algarah-Lava-Gorubathan route (NH 717A) to Siliguri and vice versa around the clock.

Alternative Routes for Small Vehicles:

Small vehicles are allowed to move from Rangpoo towards Siliguri via Munsong-17th Mile-Algarah-Lava-Gorubathan route (NH 717A) to Siliguri and vice versa.

Additionally, small vehicles from Kalimpong to Siliguri may move via Relli-Samthar-Panbu route to Siliguri and vice versa.

Traffic Control and Safety Measures:

Necessary restrictions at Rangpoo Check Post, Melli Bazaar, Chitrey, Rabi Jhora, Teesta Bazar, 29th Mile, and at the District border along NH 10 stretches will be imposed by the police (Traffic) to facilitate the route diversion.

For the safety of the general public, any necessary temporary restrictions or diversions on the movement of vehicles may be imposed by the Police in consultation with the District Administration if needed.

In the interest of safety, vehicles are advised to avoid movement on NH 10 and take the alternate routes provided.