NH-10 Closed Again as Landslides Sever Siliguri–Sikkim Link; Alternate Route Announced Amid Heavy Rain

KalimNews, July 2, 2026, Kalimpong: The crucial road connection between Siliguri and Sikkim has once again been disrupted after relentless monsoon rains triggered multiple landslides along National Highway 10 (NH-10), forcing authorities to suspend traffic and launch emergency restoration work.

Recognized as the lifeline connecting the Himalayan state of Sikkim with the plains of North Bengal, NH-10 has suffered extensive damage due to continuous rainfall. Landslides at several vulnerable stretches have deposited debris and unstable rocks onto the roadway, creating hazardous conditions for commuters and significantly increasing the risk of further slope failures.

In response to the deteriorating situation, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has undertaken emergency operations to restore the affected sections of the highway. Vehicular movement on NH-10 was suspended from the early hours of Thursday to facilitate the removal of landslide debris and loose boulders hanging precariously from the hillside.

The clearance operation began at 5:00 a.m. and is scheduled to continue until 11:00 a.m., during which heavy machinery and road maintenance teams are working to stabilize the affected stretches and ensure the route is safe before traffic is allowed to resume.

The closure has particularly affected movement near Sevoke Kali Bari, where vehicles have been unable to pass because of the ongoing repair and debris removal work.

To minimize disruption, NHIDCL has advised all motorists—including both light and heavy vehicles—to use the Gazoldoba–Odlabari–Garubathan route as the designated alternative until NH-10 is reopened.

An official notification issued by NHIDCL confirmed that the highway would remain closed for approximately six hours while engineers and maintenance personnel carry out essential restoration and safety measures. Authorities have urged commuters to cooperate with traffic regulations, avoid unnecessary travel along the affected corridor, and follow official advisories until normal movement is restored.

With the monsoon continuing across North Bengal and the Himalayan foothills, officials remain on high alert as persistent rainfall could trigger additional landslides in vulnerable areas, posing further challenges to road connectivity between Siliguri and Sikkim.