Restriction in NH 10 : Landslides Disrupt Connectivity Between Sikkim and Siliguri Amid Continuous Rainfall

KalimNews | June 5, 2025 | Kalimpong: Continuous rainfall over the past several days has caused a major landslide along National Highway-10 (NH-10), the vital roadway connecting Siliguri in West Bengal with the state of Sikkim. The landslide, which occurred early on Wednesday, led to the partial collapse of the road at Likhu Bhir (also known as Likhu Cliff) into the Teesta River, resulting in severe damage to the highway and significantly disrupting traffic movement, particularly freight transport.

Kalimpong District Superintendent of Police, Sri Hari Pandey, confirmed that due to the precarious road conditions at Likhuvir, the movement of heavy vehicles has been restricted on NH-10 until further notice. The road formation in the affected area has suffered considerable erosion, attributed to the rising water levels of the Teesta River and intensified water currents, which have been fed by persistent rainfall and increased discharge from upstream.

In response to the situation, authorities have issued advisories urging transporters and logistics companies to suspend operations of heavy vehicles along the compromised stretch. The erosion has rendered parts of the road dangerously narrow and structurally unstable, posing significant risk to vehicular traffic.

The district administration of Kalimpong, in coordination with the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), and local disaster response teams, has initiated inspection and emergency repair efforts. Engineers are currently conducting structural stability assessments and have proposed the installation of temporary retaining solutions to prevent further damage. While the movement of light vehicles is still permitted, it is being closely monitored and allowed only under strict supervision.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast continued rainfall in the coming days, which may worsen the situation. Given the increasing vulnerability of the terrain, NHIDCL has announced regulatory measures for traffic movement in key segments of NH-10, specifically at Km 26–27 (Likhubhir), Km 33–35 (Mali), Km 38–39 (Kirney), and Km 49.98 (Andheri). Effective from June 5, 2025, these restrictions will remain in place until further orders.

In accordance with these regulations, only commercial vehicles with a laden weight of up to 4 metric tonnes are permitted to use this highway section. Heavier vehicles are strictly prohibited. Exceptions will be made only for vehicles engaged in NH-10 repair work by agencies such as NHIDCL, IRCON, and NHPC, as well as for emergency services including fire engines, ambulances, disaster management vehicles, armed forces vehicles, and public transport buses. These will be allowed passage between affected locations on a case-by-case basis, ensuring safety and operational integrity.

The affected region remains under close observation, and authorities continue to appeal to the public for cooperation. Commuters are advised to follow official instructions and remain updated through verified government channels. The safety of citizens and the uninterrupted restoration of essential transport services remain top priorities for the administration.