Project Management Consultancy to Be Appointed for NH-10 Upgradation

Yowan Mothay, KalimNews, Kalimpong, December 7, 2024 :  The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) is set to appoint a Project Management Consultancy (PMC) to oversee the upgradation of National Highway 10 (NH-10). This step follows a detailed response to a letter from Darjeeling MP, Raju Bista, which was sent to MORTH Minister Nitin Gadkari in September.

In his reply, Gadkari provided significant clarity on the Ministry’s plans to address the pressing infrastructure challenges on NH-10, particularly in the Sevoke-Rangpo section, which is vital for connecting Darjeeling and Kalimpong to Sikkim. The Minister’s letter outlines the ongoing efforts to restore and improve the highway, a long-standing issue for the region.

Minister Gadkari confirmed that the Ministry is currently in the process of hiring a Project Management Consultancy to handle the upgradation of NH-10. The plan includes upgrading the Sevoke-Rangpo section to a 2-Lane Plus Shoulders (2L+PS) standard and implementing permanent solutions to stabilize landslide-prone areas.

“The Ministry is fully committed to addressing the infrastructure needs of this region,” Gadkari stated. “We are engaging a Project Management Consultancy for the upgradation, which will also focus on the permanent restoration of landslide-prone spots along the highway.”

In addition to the upgradation, the MORTH is exploring alternative alignments for the Sevoke-Rangpo section to improve safety and efficiency. Gadkari mentioned that the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) has been tasked with evaluating these potential new routes to determine the most suitable alignment based on the Ministry’s standards.

NHIDCL has already assumed responsibility for the Sevoke-Rangpo stretch, allowing for more focused planning and redevelopment efforts. These include strategies to mitigate frequent landslides and other natural disruptions that have plagued the highway for years.

Raju Bista, expressing his satisfaction with the response from the MORTH, emphasized the importance of the NH-10 upgradation for the region. “The complete overhaul and development of NH-10 is crucial for ensuring smooth and uninterrupted connectivity between Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Sikkim,” Bista remarked. “This project will not only enhance transportation safety but also support regional economic growth.”

He assured the people that the Central Government is prioritizing the highway’s upgradation and is fully committed to finding lasting solutions to improve road infrastructure in the area.

Once completed, the upgraded NH-10 will significantly improve connectivity for the people of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and nearby areas. It will boost safety, streamline transportation, and open up new opportunities for economic development by improving access to critical trade and tourism routes.