Sikkim Government Urges Action to Prevent Frequent Closures of NH-10

SNS, Siliguri, 19 October, 2025 : Expressing serious concern over the frequent and prolonged closures of National Highway-10, the lifeline connecting Sikkim with the rest of the country, the Sikkim Government has urged the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to ensure better coordination, timely communication, and minimal disruption, particularly during the ongoing tourist season.

In a letter to the NHIDCL General Manager, C.S. Rao, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Sikkim, pointed out that the "frequency and duration of road blockages along NH-10 have increased noticeably over the past year."

"These closures are often imposed even for small-scale works and without prior intimation," Mr. Rao noted, adding that the lack of advance notice has made it extremely difficult for residents and the tourism sector—heavily dependent on the smooth functioning of the highway—to plan their operations effectively.

Highlighting the economic impact, he said, "The recent notices regarding NH-10 closure, issued without adequate coordination with tourism stakeholders and line departments, have had a significant negative impact, particularly during the peak tourist season. This has affected tourist inflow and seriously disrupted the livelihoods of our tourism stakeholders."

Mr. Rao urged NHIDCL to avoid sudden or full-day closures during peak tourist periods. "Any planned closure must be communicated eloquently in advance to all concerned departments and stakeholders," he emphasized.

He further recommended that the corporation issue timely and clear public communication regarding the status of NH-10, ensuring "equal publicity for reopening times as is given for closures."

Rao also proposed the creation of a centralized digital platform or mobile app offering real-time updates on road conditions, diversions, and estimated restoration timelines to help tourists and operators plan their travel more efficiently.

"Our tourism stakeholders have been continuously raising their grievances regarding these obstructions, as they directly affect the state's overall tourism ecosystem," Rao added, expressing hope for NHIDCL's "positive intervention to ensure smooth and uninterrupted connectivity along NH-10."

Meanwhile, the Sikkim government has issued a separate public advisory regarding a major landslide at KM 85.800 on the Gangtok-Chungthang Road, which occurred on August 29. According to the notification, clearance work by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) has restored approximately five meters of road width for vehicular traffic. However, authorities cautioned that the hill slope at the site remains unstable, warning that further sliding may occur during rainfall or wet conditions.

"All commuters, transport operators, and pedestrians are strictly advised to exercise extreme caution while crossing the affected area," the advisory stated.