KALIMPONG: The National Highway 10 (NH 10), a crucial route linking Sikkim and Kalimpong to Siliguri, will reopen for light motor vehicles on Wednesday after being closed for over a month.
Kalimpong District Magistrate Balasubramanian T. issued an official order today, following recommendations from the Public Works Department (Roads), NH Circle No. III. The order permits light motor vehicles to travel between Chitrey and Seti Jhora from 6 am to 6 pm daily, starting July 31, until further notice. The order mandates single-lane traffic at several points, including Selfi Dara, Birik Dara, 27th Mile, Likhu Veer, and Andheri. Heavy vehicles such as goods trucks and buses will continue using the Reshi-Pedong-Algarah-Lava-Gorubathan route to reach Siliguri and vice versa.
The SH12 route from Rabi Jhora to Teesta Bazaar towards Darjeeling via Pesok has experienced frequent flooding and subsidence. Repair works are ongoing, and the road is currently only suitable for light motor vehicles, with intermittent closures depending on conditions.
Alternative routes for small vehicles are also outlined. Light vehicles can travel from Rangpoo to Siliguri via Munsong-17th Mile-Algarah-Lava-Gorubathan, and from Kalimpong to Siliguri via Relli-Samthar-Panbu.
Necessary restrictions for route diversion will be managed by the police at Rangpo check post, Melli Bazaar, Chitrey, Rabi Jhora, Teesta Bazaar, 29th Mile, and the district border along the NH 10 stretches.
This reopening is a significant step towards restoring normalcy for commuters who rely on NH 10 for travel between these regions.