NH 10 Closed Again After Landslide at Bhuichaley; Teesta-Darjeeling Road Also Shut

Kalimpong, 8 August 2024: NH 10 has been closed once again following a landslide in the Bhuichaley area, located between Birrick Danra and 20 Mile. Heavy rainfall triggered the landslide, which washed away a portion of the road, making it impassable and disrupting traffic flow in the region. Authorities are currently assessing the situation and anticipate that it may take several days to reopen the road, similar to the situation at Selfie Danra. Travelers are advised to seek alternative routes and avoid the affected area until further notice.

In response to the recent landslide at Bhuichaley and other related incidents, the Kalimpong District administration has issued a new traffic movement order. To ensure the safety of residents and travelers using the internal roads within Kalimpong District, as well as sections of NH 10, District Magistrate Balasubramanian T. has implemented additional restrictions and traffic diversions. These measures, effective from 8 August 2024 until further notice, aim to address safety concerns arising from current road conditions and other potential hazards.

Key Restrictions:

1. Vehicle Restrictions:

   • NH 10: Movement of all vehicles between Seti Jhora and Rangpoo via NH 10 is restricted until further notice.
   • Heavy Vehicles: Movement of all heavy vehicles with a laden weight above 8 tonnes (maximum 6-wheelers) is restricted on the following routes:
   • Gorubathan Pandara to Reshi via Lava, Algarah, and Pedong.
   • Gorubathan Pandara to Kalimpong via Lava and Algarah.
   
   
   • SH 12 Closure: The stretch of SH 12 from Rabi Jhora to Teesta Bazaar (towards Darjeeling via Peshok) is closed to all types of vehicles due to road subsidence at Deogram and Krishnagram near Teesta Bazaar.
   
   
   

2. Vehicle Movement Guidelines:

   • Goods Vehicles and Heavy Vehicles (up to 8 tonnes): Those en route to Sikkim and vice versa are to travel via Reshi, Pedong, Algarah, Lava, Gorubathan, and Siliguri.
   • Heavy Vehicles (up to 8 tonnes) to Kalimpong Town: These vehicles are permitted to move from Algarah to Kalimpong only between 22:00 hrs and 06:00 hrs.

3. Alternative Routes and Traffic Diversions:

• Small Vehicles:
• May travel from Rangpoo via Munsong, 17 Mile, Algarah, Lava, Gorubathan to Siliguri and vice versa.
• May also use the route from Kalimpong to Siliguri via Relli, Samthar, and Panbu.

• Police Enforcement: Necessary restrictions will be enforced at various check posts, including Rangpoo, Reshi, Melli Bazaar, Chitrey, Rabi Jhora, Teesta Bazaar, 29 Mile, and along NH 10 stretches, to facilitate the route diversions. Temporary restrictions or diversions may also be imposed by the police, in consultation with the District Magistrate, on a case-by-case basis to ensure public safety.

These measures are crucial for the continued safety of the public amid challenging road conditions and will remain in place until further updates are provided.