Sikkim’s road transport and related infrastructure are in dire need of improvement

Dear Editor,

I am writing to draw attention to the alarming frequency of serious traffic accidents that have occurred in Sikkim between February and April this year alone. These incidents not only result in tragic loss of life but also highlight significant deficiencies in road construction and urban planning in our region.

The string of accidents began on February 10, 2024 when a speeding milk tanker collided with a crowd in Ranipool, Sikkim, claiming three lives and injuring sixteen others. Subsequent accidents, including one on April 3 involving a government vehicle in Chandmari and another on April 6 near Bop Village in Chungthang, resulted in further casualties and injuries. The most recent incident on April 17, where a car collided with a truck in near ATTC in Bardang, resulted in one fatality and four serious injuries.

A critical analysis of these accidents reveals a common underlying cause: the inadequacy of Sikkim's road infrastructure and urban planning. Situated in earthquake zone V, our region is susceptible to seismic activity and heavy rainfall, leading to frequent landslides and soil movement. These natural phenomena render our roads and bridges highly vulnerable to damage, posing significant risks to motorists and pedestrians alike.

Despite these challenges, it is evident that many accidents occur due to the poor condition of our roads and the lack of effective traffic management measures. The recent release of photographs depicting the deteriorating state of our roads by the Road and Bridges Department, Government of Sikkim, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action.

In light of these concerns, I echo the sentiments of traffic expert Ravindra Kaskhedikar, who advocates for the regular postmortems of accidents and the accountability of the relevant authorities. It is imperative that officials responsible for road maintenance are held accountable for any accidents resulting from negligence or inadequate infrastructure.

As members of the community, we have a collective responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of our fellow citizens. I urge the authorities to prioritize the maintenance and improvement of our road infrastructure to prevent further tragedies and safeguard the lives of all residents.

Your’s etc.,

Puran Chettri

(chettripuran910@gmail.com)