Sikkim Government Reschedules School Timings and Introduces Odd-Even Scheme to Ease Gangtok’s Traffic Congestion

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 25, 2024, Kolkata : To address escalating traffic congestion within Gangtok’s Municipal Corporation (GMC) area, the Sikkim Education Department has announced a new schedule for school timings across government and private institutions, set to take effect from November 5, 2024. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve urban traffic flow, complemented by the launch of an “Odd-Even” vehicle restriction system, which limits vehicle use based on license plate numbers.

The “Odd-Even” system, implemented under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, will restrict vehicle movement along the busy National Highway stretch between Mayfair Fatak and GICI, Zero Point, within Gangtok’s municipal boundaries. This regulation will apply to both private and government vehicles, reducing non-essential vehicle movement and ensuring a smoother commute during peak hours.

According to an official order from the Additional Chief Secretary of the Education Department, all government schools within the GMC area will now begin classes at 8:00 AM and end by 2:15 PM. However, schools operating on a double-shift schedule, such as Sichey Secondary School, CS Rai Arithang Secondary School, and Bojoghari Secondary School, will retain their current schedules to meet unique operational requirements.

Private schools have also been directed to begin no later than 8:00 AM, with dismissal times ranging from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. This flexible timing arrangement aims to accommodate the diverse capacities of private institutions, while contributing to the overall goal of easing road traffic in Gangtok.

The Odd-Even scheme, which restricts vehicle movement based on the last digit of the license plate on alternating days, is anticipated to reduce traffic density on school routes. Officials hope this measure will make commutes safer and less stressful for students and parents alike. By limiting vehicles on the road and coordinating school schedules, the Sikkim government aims to create a smoother, more manageable traffic environment, particularly during school hours.