Central Government Takes Over Sevoke-Rangpo National Highway, Paving Way for Improved Infrastructure and Connectivity

KalimNews, Kalimpong, November 5, 2024: In a major development for the northeastern region, the Central Government has officially assumed control over the 52.10 km stretch of National Highway 10 (NH-10) between Sevoke in West Bengal and Rangpo in Sikkim. This crucial highway, which serves as the lifeline connecting Sikkim and Kalimpong to the rest of India, will now be managed by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), according to a gazette notification issued by the government on October 29, 2024.

Raju Bista, the Member of Parliament for Darjeeling, has expressed his deep satisfaction with the decision, calling it a "landmark moment" for the region. The move is seen as a crucial step toward addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges faced by the people of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Sikkim. The transfer of responsibility to NHIDCL is expected to bring about better maintenance, timely repairs, and potential future expansion of this vital road link, which is used by thousands of commuters, tourists, and transporters daily.

"This is a historic decision that will have far-reaching benefits for the people of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Sikkim," said Bista. "For years, I have been actively pursuing the handover of this critical stretch to NHIDCL, as it is essential for our region's development and connectivity. The involvement of a central agency like NHIDCL will ensure that the necessary expertise and resources are available to maintain and improve this highway."

The Sevoke-Rangpo stretch of NH-10 is an essential route, facilitating the movement of goods, services, and people between West Bengal and Sikkim. It is particularly vital for the tourism sector, which attracts thousands of visitors annually to the picturesque hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, as well as for local trade and transport, including taxi drivers, bus operators, and truckers who depend on the highway for their livelihoods.

In his statement, Bista also extended his gratitude to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for their prompt response to the demands of the local community. "I want to express my heartfelt thanks to both Nitin ji and Prime Minister Modi ji for prioritizing the development of our region and for supporting our calls for better infrastructure," he added.

A key part of Bista's advocacy has been aimed at criticizing the West Bengal Public Works Department (WB PWD) for its management of NH-10. In his view, the WB PWD lacked the necessary resources, expertise, and financial capacity to effectively maintain such a strategically important highway, which also connects the border regions of Darjeeling, Dooars, and Sikkim. The MP had repeatedly called for the transfer of the highway to NHIDCL to ensure that the road infrastructure would be managed more efficiently.

“WB PWD has not been able to keep pace with the demands of such a crucial road. Given the strategic importance of this highway, it needed the attention and expertise of a dedicated national body. Today, that concern is finally being addressed,” Bista said, adding that the move would provide the people of the region with access to better roads and services.

Looking forward, Bista assured the people of the Darjeeling and Sikkim regions that his efforts to secure better infrastructure and address local issues would continue. "This is just the beginning. I will keep working tirelessly to ensure that the concerns of our people are heard and that we receive the development and support we deserve," he concluded.

The formal transfer of NH-10 to NHIDCL is seen as a positive step towards improving road safety, boosting local economies, and fostering better connectivity between the people of West Bengal and Sikkim with the rest of the country.