Major Disruption on NH-10: From 13-16 Oct Full Closure of Highway at 29th Mile for Repairs Due to Collapse

KalimNews, October 11, 2025, Kalimpong: In a significant development affecting travel and transportation on National Highway 10, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has announced that traffic will be fully restricted for all classes of vehicles on NH-10 from 1:00 PM on October 13, 2025, until 6:00 PM on October 16, 2025, or until further orders. 

This restriction comes in response to the collapse of a major section of the highway at the 29th Mile, which occurred during the night of October 9, 2025. Local authorities are working closely with the traffic police to ensure that the disruption is managed smoothly and that traffic flows without further hindrances.

The collapse, which resulted in the caving in of approximately three-fourths of the road between 29th Mile and Gelkhola, has rendered the highway unsafe for vehicular movement, especially for heavy vehicles. The damage caused has already led to a temporary halt in the movement of large trucks and commercial vehicles, with only small vehicles allowed to pass through on a single-lane basis. The District Administration issued a warning about the potential for further collapse in the area, urging the public to avoid traveling through this stretch until the necessary repairs have been completed.

In light of the situation, travelers have been advised to seek alternate routes to avoid significant delays and inconvenience. The District Administration has recommended detours including Panbu Road and Lava-Gorubathan Road, both of which provide safer access for travelers journeying between Kalimpong, Gangtok, and Siliguri, as well as to the Coronation Bridge via Teesta. These routes are expected to alleviate some of the traffic congestion that has resulted from the highway closure.

The authorities are actively monitoring the situation and have called for the cooperation of local residents and travelers. The local administration has also highlighted that the infrastructure in the affected section of NH-10 is fragile, and additional safety assessments are ongoing.

As per the earlier announcement from the NHIDCL, a temporary ban was imposed on all heavy vehicles starting at midnight on October 11, 2025, through 6:00 PM on October 14, 2025. This measure has been implemented following extensive safety assessments that revealed further risks of structural issues along the 29th Mile stretch, especially from continued pressure from heavy vehicle traffic. The restriction is revisited based on the progress of the repair work, and there was a possibility that the closure could be extended depending on the condition of the road after the initial repairs are carried out.

The NHIDCL has emphasized that this decision was taken in the interest of public safety and to prevent any additional strain on the damaged road section. Though the exact nature of the repairs required remains unspecified at this time, authorities are working to restore the highway as quickly as possible, and updates will be provided as the situation evolves. Travelers using NH-10 during the restricted period are advised to plan their journeys in advance and adhere to the prescribed alternative routes to minimize disruptions.

This development follows a series of safety checks on the highway that indicated the extent of the damage caused by the collapse. If any further changes to the timeline or additional restrictions are deemed necessary, public announcements will be made.

Local officials are working round the clock to ensure the situation is handled efficiently, with the objective of restoring full traffic movement on NH-10 as soon as it is deemed safe. Meanwhile, travelers and transporters are urged to stay updated with the latest information and cooperate with local authorities to ensure their own safety and that of others.