The critical National Highway 10 (NH10), linking the northeastern state of Sikkim with West Bengal’s Kalimpong and further to Siliguri, is scheduled for intermittent closures on May 15, 17, and 19.
According to a formal notification issued by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the highway will remain shut daily from 9 am to 6 pm on these dates to facilitate essential maintenance works aimed at improving road safety and longevity. This temporary but necessary closure comes at a time when the NH10 serves as a vital artery for tourism, trade, and local commute, connecting the strategically important Himalayan region with the plains. Officials from NHIDCL emphasise that these maintenance activities are critical to preserving the highway’s infrastructure amid increasing traffic and harsh climatic conditions prevalent in the mountainous terrain.
The periodic shutdowns are expected to impact travel plans significantly, especially tourists heading towards Sikkim, Gangtok, and the scenic hill town of Kalimpong, who primarily depend on this route via Siliguri. As such, experts advise travellers to proactively plan their journeys and explore alternative routes to avoid disruptions. NH10 not only supports regional connectivity but is integral to socio-economic development and sustainable tourism in the Eastern Himalayan region. The highway forms a lifeline that enables the movement of goods, services, and people between Sikkim—a state committed to eco-friendly tourism and green urban development—and the rest of India. Its maintenance reflects broader efforts to ensure resilient infrastructure that complements the region’s commitment to sustainability and low-impact development.
Officials managing the project highlight that the highway’s upkeep aligns with national goals for zero-carbon infrastructure, enhancing durability while minimising environmental footprint. In recent years, NHIDCL has integrated green engineering practices such as slope stabilisation using bioengineering methods, eco-sensitive construction materials, and measures to prevent soil erosion and landslides, which are common in this geologically fragile zone. Maintaining highways in mountainous regions like the stretch between Sikkim and Kalimpong involves unique challenges. Frequent landslides during monsoon seasons, fluctuating temperatures causing wear and tear, and heavy vehicular traffic combining commercial trucks and tourist buses all accelerate road degradation. The NHIDCL’s maintenance initiative this month involves surface repairs, strengthening of retaining walls, clearing drainage systems, and reinforcing bridges to ensure uninterrupted, safe travel.
Experts in sustainable infrastructure observe that such maintenance activities are essential not only to extend the lifespan of critical roadways but also to safeguard the fragile Himalayan ecosystem from the adverse effects of unchecked road damage and traffic congestion. Sikkim and Kalimpong attract a growing number of visitors seeking natural beauty, spiritual retreats, and adventure tourism. The NH10 closure, though temporary, comes during a busy travel season. Tourism officials acknowledge that while short-term inconvenience is inevitable, the long-term benefits of safer and well-maintained highways will boost the region’s appeal.
Local transport operators and businesses are urged to prepare for the disruption by adjusting schedules and informing customers. Community leaders have welcomed the maintenance work, emphasizing the importance of reliable connectivity for economic resilience, especially for small-scale vendors and farmers dependent on timely transport of goods. Given the scheduled closures, authorities recommend that travellers consider alternate routes such as the Pedong and Lava roads or plan travel outside the maintenance window to minimise delays. The state transport departments and tourism boards are expected to issue updated advisories to guide commuters and tourists.
Experts stress the importance of adopting an eco-conscious approach to travel during this period, encouraging carpooling, use of public transport, and reducing carbon emissions associated with detours and idle traffic. The NH10 maintenance effort underscores the delicate balance required in infrastructure development within ecologically sensitive Himalayan zones. Officials affirm that all activities are undertaken with strict adherence to environmental regulations and in consultation with local communities, ensuring that sustainable development principles guide every stage of the project.
This approach reflects a broader shift in Indian infrastructure policy towards gender-neutral, equitable, and environmentally sustainable urban and rural connectivity, particularly in sensitive regions. As India accelerates its ambitions for sustainable growth and net-zero carbon emissions, such targeted maintenance and enhancement of critical highways form an essential part of building resilient, inclusive, and green infrastructure networks across the country.
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