Raju Bista Reviews Crisis Along NH-10, Calls for Urgent and Coordinated Action to Secure Lifeline Connectivity

KalimNews, Aug 16, 2025, Kalimpong: Darjeeling MP Raju Bista today visited Selfie-Dara along National Highway-10, a crucial lifeline linking Sevoke with Kalimpong and Sikkim, which has been battered by continuous landslides this monsoon. The stretch has been rendered impassable, blocked by massive earth and boulders, causing severe disruption to traffic between Sevoke and Kalimpong-Gangtok. Despite clearance efforts by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), unstable slopes and persistent rainfall have made progress slow and hazardous.

Bista expressed grave concern over the alarming condition of NH-10, particularly at Setijhora, where major cracks have appeared on the road, making commuting unsafe. He stressed the urgent need for toe protection work once water levels subside, alongside critical desilting of the Teesta river to prevent further erosion. Given the vertical gradient of the hillside, he warned that conventional cutting methods are extremely risky and emphasized the importance of realigning the road with an elevated structure to provide long-term safety and sustainability.

The MP underlined the lack of coordination between key agencies—NHIDCL, IRCON, and NHPC—as one of the root causes behind recurring crises on NH-10. He called for a joint approach, noting that isolated efforts will not resolve the long-standing issues of landslides and erosion. He also highlighted the absence of basic emergency services such as ambulances, water tankers, patrolling vehicles, and towing cranes in the region, demanding immediate provisioning of such essential facilities.

During the visit, Bista inspected ongoing NHIDCL works along multiple vulnerable spots on NH-10, including Bhasua between Sevoke Bazar and Kalijhora. Here, NHIDCL is widening a 150-meter stretch of road by 12 meters, developing slope protection over 38 meters, and building drainage systems on the mountain slopes. Officials briefed him about construction of base-level protection walls aimed at controlling landslides and safeguarding the road. Bista assured that he will closely monitor NHIDCL’s performance, especially since the corporation recently took over the 52.10 km Sevoke-Rangpo stretch from the PWD, and pledged to involve experts, geologists, engineers, and even the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to ensure NH-10 is upgraded to world-class standards.

Later, Bista inspected the Sevoke-Rangpo Railway Project being executed by IRCON. Officials informed him that 80% of physical progress has been achieved, with 12 out of 14 tunnels and 9 of 13 bridges already completed. Track laying has commenced, with the Sevoke-Reang section expected to be operational by the end of this year, while the full project is targeted for completion by 2027. A recent slope failure near Tunnel No. 7 raised safety concerns, but IRCON assured that enhanced safety protocols are in place. The MP underlined the transformative potential of the project, which will provide seamless connectivity between Sikkim and Siliguri, linking Rangpo to NJP and Bagdogra Airport, boosting tourism, daily commuting, education, and trade, while acting as a major economic driver for Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Siliguri, Terai, Dooars, and Sikkim.

Bista also chaired a multi-agency review meeting with NHIDCL, NHPC, and IRCON officials to assess ongoing infrastructure projects along the Teesta basin, including NH-10, hydropower dams, and the railway line. NHIDCL reported emergency interventions to stabilize slopes, prevent sinking near Setijhora, and tackle newly emerging risk zones between 27th and 29th Mile using wire duct lining technology. A Project Management Consultant has been engaged to prepare a long-term alignment plan, and a Detailed Project Report is underway for an alternative Sevoke-Melli highway.

Meanwhile, NHPC, under scrutiny following the 2023 Teesta floods, outlined its initiatives for riverbank protection and support to local communities, including exploring housing solutions. Bista urged NHPC to conduct detailed surveys of all vulnerable habitations along the river and demanded stronger safeguards against future disasters. He emphasized that restoring NH-10 requires a comprehensive, multi-agency strategy involving NHIDCL, IRCON, NHPC, BRO, PWD, and the Brahmaputra Board.

Reassuring the public, Bista stated that restoring and securing NH-10 remains a top priority, as the highway is the backbone of connectivity for the region. He pledged to continue coordinating with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and central authorities, ensuring that the needs of the people are addressed and that NH-10 is rebuilt as a durable, safe, and high-standard road capable of withstanding the challenges of the terrain and climate.