Massive Landslides in NH10 and Lava Road, Cut Off Sikkim and Kalimpong From Plains; Clearance Hampered by Continuous Rockfall- Lava Road cleared

KalimNews, Kalimpong, July 18, 2025 : Vehicular connectivity between the hills of Sikkim and Kalimpong and the plains below came to a complete halt today following a massive landslide at Birik Dara (20 Mile, Km 11.2) on National Highway 10 (NH10). The landslide began around 11:00 AM and intensified by 11:30 AM, dumping huge volumes of debris and boulders across the highway. This critical route, which serves as a lifeline for hill-bound traffic, remains closed for traffic at the affected location.

Despite the swift deployment of adequate heavy machinery by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) to clear the blocked stretch, continuous falling debris and rocks from above have severely hampered progress. A second round of significant rockfall around 4:30 PM further complicated the clearance efforts, making the stretch too hazardous for work to continue safely. As a result, NHIDCL has confirmed that the road will remain closed for the remainder of the day, with clearance operations dependent on improving conditions over the next 24 hours.

JCBs have been mobilized by NHIDCL for the debris removal, and although rainfall has subsided since yesterday, the landslide has been attributed to the prolonged and intense rains experienced over the last few days, which have destabilized the hillsides and loosened the slopes.

Kalimpong Police have issued advisories urging travelers to avoid the route altogether and to exercise extreme caution when planning travel through the region. The uncertainty surrounding the road's reopening has prompted widespread disruption to passenger and freight traffic.

In a further blow to regional connectivity, a second landslide was reported on the alternative route — the Lava-Gorubathan stretch of NH717A near Phaperkheti. This road, managed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), has also been rendered impassable. According to officials, heavy rainfall in the area has slowed down debris removal work, but the GREF has assured that JCB machines will be deployed immediately to expedite the clearance process.

With both NH10 and the Lava-Gorubathan road blocked, highway traffic towards Sikkim is completely affected. In response, commuters have started diverting through alternative routes such as Jorebunglow-Teesta and Darjeeling-Jorethang to reach Sikkim from Siliguri and other points in the plains. Some travelers have also turned to the Panbu road as an alternative, though congestion and delays are mounting across all detours.

Both NHIDCL and BRO are expected to issue updates on the road conditions and clearance progress by tomorrow. Meanwhile, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with the safety of workers and commuters being prioritized amid the ongoing threat of further landslides.

Just in (9:20 PM): After clearing the debris, the Damdim-Lava Road is now partially open.