Kalimpong Announces Traffic Restrictions Following “Strategic Closure” of NH 10 for Repairs

KalimNews, Kalimpong, April 7, 2025 :  The District Magistrate of Kalimpong has announced temporary traffic restrictions and diversions for vehicles traveling along the internal roads of Kalimpong district starting April 9, 2025. This decision comes in response to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation’s (NHIDCL) order to close National Highway 10 for essential repairs.

NH-10 Closures:

In addition to the district-wide restrictions, the NHIDCL has announced intermittent closures of NH 10 for repair work at specific locations. These closures will affect the following sections:

• April 9 and 10, 2025 (at Km 26.1 and Km 33.5)

• April 17-19, 2025 (at various locations as per Annexure)

During these times, there will be full closures for all classes of vehicles at the following times:

• 0000-0600 hrs, 0700-0800 hrs, 0900-1000 hrs, 1100-1200 hrs, 1300-1400 hrs, 1500-1600 hrs, 1700-1800 hrs.

It is further stated that movement of all heavy vehicles will be prohibited, even during the intermittent hours when the road is open.

The temporary traffic restrictions and diversions for vehicles traveling along the internal roads of Kalimpong district aim to regulate traffic and minimize congestion in the region during the “strategic closure” of NH 10, a key route for the hill town. The temporary changes are expected to last until further notice, with adjustments and updates being made as necessary depending on the progress of the repair work.

Key Traffic Restrictions and Diversions:

1. Heavy Vehicles (Above 6 Tonnes):

   • There will be a ban on the movement of heavy vehicles (weighing over 6 tonnes) on two major routes:

     • Gorubathan Pandara to Reshi via Lava, Algarah, and Pedong.

     • Gorubathan Pandara to Kalimpong via Lava and Algarah.

2. Allowed Vehicle Movement:

   • Heavy vehicles (up to 6 tonnes) en route to Kalimpong town will be allowed to travel from Algarah to Kalimpong only during night hours from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

   • No heavy vehicles destined for locations other than Kalimpong will be permitted to pass through the town.

3. Police and Traffic Personnel:

   • Police will be stationed at key locations, including Pandara, Gorubathan, and other district border points, to enforce the diversions and ensure smooth traffic flow.

4. Additional Restrictions:

   • Temporary restrictions and diversions for all types of vehicles may be implemented on a case-by-case basis by the local police in consultation with the District Magistrate to maintain public safety and prevent traffic bottlenecks.

Safety and Public Cooperation:

Chhaya Rajput, the Deputy General Manager (Project Monitoring Unit) of NHIDCL in Siliguri, has stated that due to anticipated congestion and safety considerations related to the ongoing emergent works, traffic movement for all classes of vehicles shall be regulated with intermittent disruptions on April 9 and 10, 2025, and from April 17 to April 19, 2025.

The district administration has emphasized the importance of following the newly issued guidelines and cooperating with authorities to ensure public safety and a smooth traffic experience. The traffic diversions aim to reduce congestion and mitigate road hazards during the closure of NH 10, which is considered a strategically important route for the region.

In his advisory, Balasubramanian T, the District Magistrate of Kalimpong, stated that the restrictions are necessary to safeguard the general public and manage the flow of traffic while the essential repair work is underway. Updates and modifications to these restrictions will be provided as the situation develops.