Sikkim’s Lifeline Now Under National Highway Body, Not Bengal Government

Kolkata: 

BJP MP from Darjeeling Raju Bista has announced that National Highway 10 has been handed over to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL). Earlier this road was maintained by the PWD West Bengal.

This is an important development as NH-10 is critical for movement of military vehicles to the Nathu La Pass border with China and other critical border areas with China as well. NH-10 connects Sikkim to the rest of the country and has seen frequent closures due to sinkage and landslides.

Last month, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of NH-10. Addressing a press conference during her visit to North Bengal, Ms Banerjee had said the West Bengal government is taking the NH-10 situation seriously, and Sikkim, Darjeeling and Kalimpong in West Bengal were facing disruptions due to the frequent closure of NH-10.