Avoid Travel Chaos: Your Survival Guide to NH-10's May 15, 17 & 19 Closure

The Sevoke-Rangpo stretch of NH-10, the only road connecting Sikkim to West Bengal, will be closed entirely on May 15, 17, and 19 for emergency repairs. The highway will remain open on May 12, 13, 14, 16, and 18, but only for vehicles weighing under 10 metric tons.

The shutdown, from 9 AM to 6 PM on the specified days, is part of urgent repairs to prevent landslides and stabilize the highway before the monsoon season. Authorities warn that heavy vehicles will be blocked entirely. In contrast, only NHIDCL, IRCON, and NHPC construction vehicles may be allowed in restricted zones.

Travelers, transporters, and businesses must plan to avoid delays. Here’s everything you need to know.

Why Is NH-10 Closing? What Travelers Need to Know

NH-10 is Sikkim’s lifeline, handling 90% of its cargo and tourist traffic. However, the highway is prone to landslides, especially near the 29th Mile and Rambi. In October 2023, flash floods destroyed key sections, forcing the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) to take over repairs.

The May 2025 closures aim to:

Strengthen weak slopes before monsoon rains trigger more landslides.
Repair damaged sections near Tarkhola and Rangpo.
Install safety barriers to prevent vehicles from skidding off cliffs.

Officials say the three-day shutdown is necessary to avoid prolonged monsoon disruptions.

Alternate Routes: How to Reach Sikkim During the Shutdown

1. For Cars, Bikes, and Small Vehicles

Panbu Route (Recommended for Tourists)
- Route: Sevoke → Mongpong → Lava → Algarah → Kalimpong → Rangpo.
- Travel Time: Adds 1-2 hours compared to NH-10.
- Road Condition: Narrow, steep, but manageable for small vehicles.
Night Travel (After 6 PM)
- NH-10 reopens nightly from 6 PM to 9 AM.
- Best for: Those who can delay travel until evening.

2. For Trucks and Heavy Vehicles

Gorubathan-Damdim-Kalimpong-NH717A Route
- Route: Sevoke → Gorubathan → Damdim → Kalimpong → NH717A → Rangpo.
- Travel Time: Adds 2-3 hours due to winding roads.
- Restrictions: Only vehicles under 10 tons are allowed on open days.

3. Emergency Vehicles & Essential Supplies

NHIDCL-approved vehicles (construction, medical, and emergency services) may get special access.
Fuel and food trucks are advised to stock up before closures.

Pro Tip: Use Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates.

Impact on Tourism and Businesses

1. Tourists: Delays and Higher Costs

Gangtok-bound travelers may face longer detours.
Taxi fares could rise due to increased demand.
Hotels in Kalimpong and Rangpo may see last-minute cancellations.

Solution:

Book taxis in advance.
Consider staying in Kalimpong if heading to North Sikkim.

2. Local Businesses: Supply Chain Disruptions

Essential goods (fuel, groceries) may arrive late.
Construction projects could face delays.

Solution:

Stock up before May 15.
Use night-time transport when NH-10 reopens.

Why These Repairs Can’t-Wait

NH-10 has suffered decades of neglect, leading to frequent blockages. The 2023 floods worsened the damage, forcing NHIDCL to fast-track repairs.

Key risks if repairs are delayed:

Monsoon landslides could cut off Sikkim for weeks.
Economic losses exceeding ₹500 crore due to stranded goods.

Officials confirm repairs will finish before June, avoiding further disruptions.

What’s Next for NH-10?

Slope Stabilization (2025-2026) – NHIDCL reinforces 29 landslide-prone zones.
New Highway Routes – A four-lane expansion is planned by 2030.
Railway Alternative – The Melli-Dentam railway survey is complete, offering future relief.