NH-10 section unreachable due to heavy rain,Teesta bank collapse

With the incident giving rise to safety concerns, drivers are advised to find alternate routes

SNS, SILIGURI, 30 JUNE, 2024 : The stretch of National Highway-10 spanning specifically from Likuveer to the 27th mile, is currently not accessible due to heavy rainfall that occurred last night, resulting in significant damage to the road.

Furthermore, there has been a collapse on the 'right bank' of the Teesta river between Kalijhora and Hanuman Jhora, a well-known tourist spot along NH10.

The Kalimpong police have stated that the National Highway-10, known as the 'Lifeline' which links Kalimpong and Sikkim to Siliguri, is not a secure mode of transportation.

A bench by the roadside has been displaced at Selfie Dara Point, following heavy rain on National Highway-10.

All vehicles will need to take a detour. The Kalimpong administration warns that large rocks are tumbling onto the highway between 29th Mile and Geilkhola, causing a blockage. For safety reasons, drivers are advised to find alternate routes.

Additionally, a landslide. near Coronation Bridge in Sevoke has also obstructed NH 17 in the Dooars area.

However, authorities have successfully removed debris from this section of the road earlier today.

According to experts, the Teesta river's water level has increased by approximately 15-20 feet due to silt build-up following the flood in October of last year.

They believe that a significant amount of debris has gathered on the riverbed, leading to even higher water levels during regular periods. As a result, erosion continues constantly in this vulnerable region.

The Teesta river is currently changing its path because of the build-up of sediment. Experts are worried that as the river naturally curves, there may be more erosion in this location when the water level decreases during the dry season, making the situation worse.

Currently, the other options for travel are through Gorubathan, which connects Siliguri and Kalimpong, and then continuing on to Gangtok.

This route adds approximately two and a half hours. to the journey for travellers.