National Highway 10 (NH-10) is more than just a road, it is the lifeline for Sikkim and North Bengal. Every year, landslides block this critical route, cutting off supplies and leaving thousands stranded. But now, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista has pushed for a major transformation, turning NH-10 into not just a smoother highway but also a strategic defense asset against China.
The 174-km highway connects Sevoke in West Bengal to Gangtok in Sikkim, passing through treacherous hills and military zones near the Indo-China border. For years, its poor condition hampered trade, tourism, and even national security. But after Bista’s relentless efforts, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) took over its repair, and the results are already changing lives.
Why NH-10 Is India’s Most Important, and Dangerous, Highway
NH-10 is the only road linking Sikkim to the rest of India. If it shuts down, the state gets cut off—no fuel, no food, no medical supplies.
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Military Importance: The highway runs close to the Nathu La Pass, a key military zone where Indian and Chinese troops often face off. Faster troop movement here could be crucial in a crisis.
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Economic Lifeline: Over 65% of Sikkim’s tourists arrive via NH-10. Before repairs, landslides cost the state ₹500 crore annually in lost business.
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Deadly Landslides: In 2024 alone, 120+ road closures left Sikkim isolated for weeks.
For years, the West Bengal Public Works Department (PWD) managed NH-10 but lacked the budget and expertise to fix its worst stretches. That’s when Raju Bista stepped in.
Raju Bista’s Fight: How NH-10 Was Handed Over to NHIDCL
In 2024, Bista launched a campaign demanding that the Sevoke-Rangpo stretch—the most dangerous part—be given to NHIDCL, a central agency specializing in tough terrains.
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Political Push: Bista wrote letters to PM Modi and Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, warning that NH-10’s poor condition was a national security risk.
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Social Media Pressure: He posted videos of crumbling roads, tagging central ministers. One viral clip showed an ambulance stuck for hours due to a landslide.
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The Turning Point: By mid-2024, the Centre agreed. NHIDCL took charge, bringing in better engineers, machines, and funds.
“This wasn’t just about fixing potholes,” Bista told reporters. “It was about securing India’s border and saving lives.”
NHIDCL’s Extreme Makeover: How They’re Fixing the Unfixable Highway
NHIDCL’s engineers faced a nightmare: steep slopes, loose soil, and non-stop landslides. Their solution? High-tech fixes and military-grade construction.
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Slope Stabilization: Steel mesh nets and soil nails now hold unstable hillsides in place.
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Drainage Systems: New channels divert rainwater, reducing landslide risks by 40%.
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Military Collaboration: The Indian Army helped design an 11-km elevated stretch near Sevoke to avoid flood zones.
A senior NHIDCL engineer said, “We’re using AI-powered sensors to predict landslides. If the ground shifts, alerts go out hours before disaster strikes.”
China Factor: Why NH-10’s Upgrade Alarms Beijing
China has built wide, smooth roads right up to the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Meanwhile, NH-10 was crumbling—until now.
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Faster Troop Movement: The improved highway lets India rush soldiers and supplies to Nathu La and Doklam in half the time.
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Economic Edge: Easier trade with Bhutan and Nepal weakens China’s influence in the region.
A defense expert said, “China watches border infrastructure closely. NH-10’s upgrade sends a message: India won’t lag.”
Real Impact: How NH-10’s Revival Is Changing Lives
The repairs are already making a difference:
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Tourism Boom: Gangtok’s hotel bookings jumped 40% in 2025 as travel became safer.
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Faster Travel: Siliguri to Gangtok now takes 4 hours instead of 8+ during landslides.
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Farmers Rejoice: “Before, our vegetables rotted on trucks,” said a Kalimpong farmer. “Now, they reach markets fresh.”
What’s Next? More Highways, More Security
NH-10 is just the start. Bista wants 10 more highways in the region to boost security and the economy.
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NH-717A: A new alternate route to bypass landslide zones is in the works.
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Green Challenges: Balancing road expansion with environmental protection remains tricky.
“Strong roads build strong nations,” Bista says. And NH-10 is proving him right.
Conclusion: A Highway That’s Now a National Priority
NH-10’s transformation shows how good infrastructure can mean the difference between life and death, and even war and peace. Thanks to Raju Bista’s push, what was once a crumbling road is now a strategic asset for India.
The lesson? Fix the highways, secure the future.
