"Due to Landslides NH10 Closed Indefinitely , Severe Safety Concerns Persist

YOWAN MOTHAY, EOI, KALIMPONG, AUGUST 8, 2024: National Highway 10 has been fully closed once again, starting Thursday, due to the unstable condition of the road. Kalimpong District Magistrate Balasubramaniam T issued a notice during the day informing the people that all vehicular traffic along the highway, from Seti Jhora to Rangpo, would be suspended until further notice. This closure affects both directions of the highway.

The decision to close the highway comes in light of the deteriorating road conditions, posing significant safety risks. The notice further states that all heavy vehicles are banned from using the road until conditions improve. Additional restrictions have been imposed on categories of heavy vehicles using alternative routes too.

While heavy vehicles had already been restricted from using NH 10, certain categories of small vehicles, including government vehicles and heavy vehicles, were being allowed to use the highway. Traffic management measures will remain in effect until weather conditions improve.

National Highway 10 has been severed once again near Birik Danda, with recurring landslides putting the very existence of the highway at risk. Continuous heavy rainfall and subsequent landslides have washed away significant portions of the road, causing major disruptions to transportation in the area.

The situation has left local residents and travelers in a state of despair, as the repeated landslides have made it extremely challenging for authorities to restore traffic services. While repair efforts are ongoing, the persistent threat of landslides underscores the urgent need for a permanent solution to ensure the stability and safety of this crucial highway.

Officials are facing significant difficulties in repairing the damaged sections due to the unstable terrain and ongoing risk of landslides. The recurring nature of these landslides highlights the vulnerability of the region's infrastructure, making it clear that immediate and sustainable interventions are necessary to prevent further damage and restore normality to the affected area.