Centre must act swiftly to save NationalHighway 10, says Indra Hang Subba

SUJAL PRADHAN, EOI, GANGTOK, SEPTEMBER 28, 2024: Lok Sabha MP from Sikkim Indra Hang Subba has expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of roads in Sikkim, particularly the strategic National Highway 10 (NH 10), which has been severely impacted by ongoing heavy rainfall. Emphasizing the need for immediate action, Subba said on Saturday that NH 10 was vital not only for the economy of Sikkim but also for national security. Subba said that the issue had been raised with top officials at the national level.

“First of all, you know it very well that during the Parliament session last month we informed the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. We met the Union Minister, and we even discussed the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After the GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood), we have once again raised the matter of NH 10,” said Subba. He said that although NH 10 was under the jurisdiction of West Bengal, Sikkim could not rely solely on state-level interventions.

"Whenever there are problems with NH 10, we can't always keep apprising the West Bengal government. During our election campaign, we promised that we would urge Central agencies to take over the maintenance of NH 10, and we are close to achieving that goal." Subba explained that once the highway was handed over to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), it would become easier to coordinate with the Centre.

"NH 10 is a defence highway, critical to national interest. If it is affected, we can directly communicate with the Centre. This is not an issue of confrontation between the West Bengal and Sikkim governments. It is a matter for the Centre to address." He said that the Centre must act swiftly.

"The workforce should be doubled and necessary work must be completed as soon as possible. The decision to hand over NH 10 to NHIDCL is almost finalized, and we are following it up. This road is essential for Sikkim's economy and national security." Subba said that there was also a need for alternative routes.

"We have proposed an alternate highway from Melli to Singtam to the Centre and it is currently under review. Additionally, we have requested that a new highway be constructed on the opposite side of river Teesta. We believe short tunnels and bridges would be more sustainable and efficient than traditional surface roads in such vulnerable areas."

"National Highway 10 is one of the most important agendas for Sikkim’s economy and revenue. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang constantly raises the issue with the Centre, and we are working proactively to resolve it," Subba said. Subba hoped that the Centre would act after the rainy season ended and that road conditions would significantly improve within the next six months.

"We will do whatever we can from the Roads Department to improve the existing highways and we are dedicated to bringing a long-term solution to this recurring issue.