NH 10 Reopens again: Traffic Advisory Issued

KalimNews, September 30, 2024, Kalimpong: National Highway 10 is set to reopen on October 1, 2024, following severe damage caused by continuous rain and multiple landslides. Ramen Mondal, Executive Engineer II of the National Highway Division No. IX, reported significant damage at various locations, particularly near Mamkhola (NH-10, Chainage 42.500 Km), Melli (NH-10, Chainage 33.600 Km), 28th Mile (NH-10, Chainage 22.100 Km), Selfie Dara (NH-10, Chainage 8.000 Km), and Kalijhora (NH-10, Chainage 3.300 Km), which led to the road's closure.

Although maintenance has been temporarily completed, traffic on NH-10 will be restricted to light vehicles and passenger vehicles, including mini buses, operating only between 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM due to safety concerns.

In a related development, Balasubramanian T, the District Magistrate of Kalimpong, has issued an advisory to restrict and divert traffic along the internal roads of Kalimpong District.

Vehicle Restrictions:

• Movement of all heavy vehicles with a laden weight exceeding 8 tonnes (maximum six-wheelers) from Gorubathan Pandara to Reshi via Lava, Algarah, and Pedong, as well as from Gorubathan Pandara to Kalimpong via Lava and Algarah, will remain closed until further notice.
• Heavy vehicle movement along SH 12 from Rabi Jhora (Deo Gram) to Peshok Bridge is also prohibited until further notice.

Vehicle Movement:

Heavy vehicles (up to 8 tonnes) en route to Kalimpong Town will be allowed to travel from Algarah to Kalimpong from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM until further notice. Police (Traffic) will impose necessary restrictions at Pandara, Gorubathan, and other district borders to facilitate route diversion. Any temporary restrictions or diversions for vehicle movement will be decided on a case-by-case basis by the police, in consultation with local authorities, to ensure public safety.