Sikkim’s National Highway 10 (NH10) has been both a lifeline and a headache for decades. As the only highway connecting the state to the rest of India, it is notorious for monsoon-induced landslides, flash floods, and prolonged closures, stranding tourists, disrupting supply chains, and cutting off remote villages. But now, the Sikkim government and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) are making bold promises: NH10 will no longer shut down for more than an hour during monsoons, thanks to a wave of new infrastructure projects.
The recently inaugurated 10 km Singtam-Dikchu road, virtually launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on BRO’s 66th Raising Day, is just the beginning. Alongside this, three critical bridges in North Sikkim—Sangkalang Bailey, Rishi Khola, and Dzo Jong—are set to open by the end of May 2025, signalling a significant push to stabilise the region’s fragile connectivity.
The Singtam-Dikchu Road: A Strategic Game-Changer
Constructed under Project Swastik, the Singtam-Dikchu stretch is part of 50 infrastructure projects inaugurated nationwide, including 17 roads and 30 bridges. This 9.5 km segment enhances mobility in a region where terrain and climate have long hampered development. The BRO’s engineering teams used slope stabilisation techniques. They reinforced retaining walls to combat landslides—a critical upgrade given that flash floods in June 2023 submerged NH10 near Pegong, washing away vehicles and isolating towns like Lachung for weeks.
For locals, the road is more than convenience; it’s economic survival. A tourist stranded in North Sikkim during the 2023 floods recounted how the collapse of the Sankalang Bailey Bridge forced a 90-minute detour, delaying essential supplies and evacuations. The new road aims to prevent such crises by providing a reliable alternate route during monsoon disruptions.
NH10’s Monsoon-Proof Promise: Fact or Fiction?
Sikkim’s Roads and Bridges Minister, Nar Bahadur Dahal, has assured that NH10 will avoid complete closures during monsoons, with disruptions limited to one-hour intervals. Sceptics abound—after all, the 2023 glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) destroyed 14 bridges and reshaped river courses, proving the Himalayas’ unpredictability.
However, the BRO deploys real-time landslide sensors and modular bridge designs for rapid repairs. Quick Response Teams (QRTS) are stationed along critical stretches, and pre-fabricated materials are stockpiled to expedite fixes. “We’ve learned from past disasters,” a BRO engineer noted. “The new bridges are designed to withstand higher water pressure, and we’re monitoring weather patterns 24/7”.
North Sikkim’s Bridge Boom: Connecting the Unreachable
The three upcoming bridges target some of the most vulnerable gaps in North Sikkim’s network:
- Sangkalang Bailey Bridge: Replaces a structure destroyed in the 2023 floods, restoring access to Dzongu—a hub for indigenous Lepcha communities and eco-tourism.
- Rishi Khola Bridge: Critical for the Mangan-Chungthang route, a lifeline for army logistics and tourist convoys to Gurudongmar Lake.
- Dzo Jong Bridge: Will shorten travel times to Lachen, a gateway to high-altitude adventures.
These projects align with Sikkim’s Rs. 16,196 crore budget for 2025–26, which allocates Rs. 5,168 crore to infrastructure. The goal? To transform North Sikkim from a monsoon-prone danger zone into a year-round tourism and trade corridor.
The Bigger Picture: Security, Tourism, and Climate Resilience
NH10 isn’t just about convenience—it’s strategic. Sikkim shares borders with China and Bhutan, and the BRO’s upgrades bolster civilian mobility and military readiness. During the 2023 floods, the Indian Army built a 70-foot Bailey Bridge near Dikchu in 72 hours to rescue stranded tourists, underscoring the road’s dual role.
For tourism, reliability is key. Due to road closures, North Sikkim’s hotels and tour operators lost 60% of their business during the 2023–24 monsoon. With new infrastructure, the state aims to attract visitors even in rainy months, capitalising on its organic farming and adventure tourism.
Yet, environmentalists warn against overdevelopment. Hydropower projects exacerbated the 2023 GLOF, and experts urge caution. The BRO insists eco-friendly methods—like bioengineering slopes with vegetation—are prioritized to minimize damage.
What’s Next? The 2025 Monsoon Test
The real trial comes in weeks as monsoon clouds gather. If NH10 holds, Sikkim could become a model for Himalayan states. If not, the backlash will be swift. The state’s message is clear now: “We’re rebuilding smarter, not just stronger.”
