NH-10 closure extended till August 8 due to safety concerns

DARJEELING,: The NH-10, the vital highway connecting Sikkim and Kalimpong to the plains, will remain closed for two more days, according to a fresh directive issued by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL).

The highway, which was initially closed on August 3 following a major collapse at Sethijhora, was earlier expected to reopen by 6 pm on August 6, as per a previous NHIDCL order.

However, a revised order issued Wednesday states that the road section from Coronation Bridge to Chitrey will remain closed to all classes of vehicles until 9 am on August 8, citing ongoing safety concerns. This stretch forms part of the 52.1 km section of NH-10 under the administrative control of NHIDCL from Sevoke to Rangpo.

The decision, the order states, has been taken under Section 33 of the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002, in the interest of public safety.

The highway has been rendered dangerous for vehicular movement following the collapse and development of cracks at Sethijhora, a landslide-prone zone.

Commuters have been advised to use alternate routes, while NHIDCL has coordinated with the Kalimpong district administration to manage traffic diversions and ensure the smooth flow of vehicles during the closure period.

NH-10 closure extended till August 8 due to safety concerns

Our Correspondent

DARJEELING, August 6: The NH-10, the vital highway connecting Sikkim and Kalimpong to the plains, will remain closed for two more days, according to a fresh directive issued by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL).

The highway, which was initially closed on August 3 following a major collapse at Sethijhora, was earlier expected to reopen by 6 pm on August 6, as per a previous NHIDCL order.

However, a revised order issued Wednesday states that the road section from Coronation Bridge to Chitrey will remain closed to all classes of vehicles until 9 am on August 8, citing ongoing safety concerns. This stretch forms part of the 52.1 km section of NH-10 under the administrative control of NHIDCL from Sevoke to Rangpo.

The decision, the order states, has been taken under Section 33 of the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002, in the interest of public safety.

The highway has been rendered dangerous for vehicular movement following the collapse and development of cracks at Sethijhora, a landslide-prone zone.

Commuters have been advised to use alternate routes, while NHIDCL has coordinated with the Kalimpong district administration to manage traffic diversions and ensure the smooth flow of vehicles during the closure period.