Sikkim prepares Rs 500 cr road upgrade covering 573 km

LALIT DAHAL

GANGTOK,: Sikkim has initiated the groundwork for a Rs 500-crore road improvement programme covering 573 kilometres, with the Roads & Bridges Department on Thursday undertaking a comprehensive technical review of mastic asphalt standards aimed at improving the durability, riding quality and long-term performance of roads across the state.

The high-level review, chaired by Roads & Bridges Minister N.B. Dahal, brought together engineers from all six districts of the State for one of the department’s most extensive technical coordination meetings. Held at the conference hall of the Buildings & Housing Department, the programme commenced with the traditional presentation of khadas.

The meeting was attended by engineers from the rank of Assistant Engineer upwards representing all six districts of the State, along with the Principal Chief Engineer-cum-Secretary, Principal Chief Engineers, Chief Engineers, Principal Director (Finance), Additional Chief Engineers, Circle Heads, Special, Joint and Under Secretaries of the Administration Wing, besides senior officials from the Roads & Bridges Mechanical Wing, National Highways and ADB.

The review focused on the proposed adoption of mastic asphalt for selected road stretches, particularly in urban areas and locations with slow-moving traffic and high traffic density, where conventional bituminous surfacing is more prone to deterioration. Officials examined the material’s engineering characteristics, field application, durability, maintenance requirements, lifecycle cost and suitability for Sikkim’s mountainous terrain, heavy monsoon conditions and varying climatic patterns.

Additional Chief Engineer-I Saurav T. Lepcha delivered the principal technical presentation, outlining the proposed specifications, implementation strategy and engineering advantages of mastic asphalt over conventional road surfacing. Circle Heads were subsequently directed to submit updated reports on works undertaken within their respective jurisdictions to facilitate project assessment and future planning.

Addressing the meeting, Minister Dahal stressed that durable road infrastructure depends not only on quality surfacing but also on properly designed drainage systems, culverts and other essential engineering components. He observed that despite the ongoing monsoon season, major roads across the state have largely remained operational compared to previous years and called for sustained emphasis on quality engineering practices, timely maintenance and efficient project execution.

The minister also reviewed district-wise progress on protective retaining walls, road upgradation, widening, metalling, carpeting, bridge construction, land compensation, pending no-objection certificates, forest clearances, budget allocation and projects requiring expedited execution.

Officials further reviewed the progress of major road infrastructure works across the state and deliberated on challenges faced by the department, contractors and the public during implementation. Particular attention was given to critical stretches requiring focused intervention, including S-turn sections, the proposed 20th Mile tunnelling project and the restoration of Chandmari Road.

During the discussions, it was noted that the Roads & Bridges Department had provided the construction materials and machinery required for the Chandmari Road restoration works, while the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) supported the operation by deploying additional machinery and labour. The meeting also compared the performance of mastic asphalt with conventional carpeting, examining durability, engineering feasibility and long-term cost-effectiveness.

According to the department, the 573-kilometre road improvement programme, valued at around Rs 500 crore, will be executed by five Class-1 AA contractors and is targeted for completion within approximately 48 months. The projects will carry a seven-year maintenance liability, with the executing contractors responsible for maintenance during the stipulated period.

Departmental officers also placed their grievances and operational concerns before the minister during the meeting. Minister Dahal took note of the issues raised and suggested appropriate action plans to address them while ensuring the timely implementation of ongoing and upcoming road infrastructure projects.

Following extensive technical deliberations and the formulation of the department’s future roadmap, Assistant Engineer (Planning) Dawa Zangmu Sherpa proposed the vote of thanks.