Night traffic on the Sevoke-Rangpo stretch of NH-10 will be suspended for roadwork, affecting all classes of vehicles travelling between Sevoke and Rangpo during two phases beginning Friday. The restriction will operate from 9 pm to 6 am on the 52.1-km route, which connects the Sevoke Coronation Bridge with Rangpo and serves travellers heading towards Sikkim and Kalimpong.
According to an order issued by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the first phase of the restriction will continue until December 13, 2026. A second phase is scheduled from January 3 to February 13, 2027. During these periods, vehicles will not be permitted to use the affected stretch between 9 pm and 6 am.
The restrictions have been imposed to allow excavation work on the hillside along the Sevoke-Rangpo section. NHIDCL said the work involves slope protection and landslide mitigation measures, which require the movement of vehicles to be halted during night hours.
“In view of the proposed excavation work for slope protection and landslide mitigation on the hillside along the Sevoke-Rangpo section of NH-10, restrictions on movement of all classes of vehicles are being imposed during night hours,” Shivam Singh, deputy general manager (projects) at NHIDCL’s project management unit in Siliguri, said in the order.
Singh said the restrictions were necessary to address potential safety hazards arising from the excavation and the associated slope protection and landslide mitigation works. The order applies to all categories of vehicles, including those used by local commuters, tourists and commercial operators.
The affected route is a key road link for journeys from the Siliguri region towards Rangpo, Sikkim and Kalimpong. Travellers planning to use NH-10 at night will need to schedule their journeys outside the restricted hours during both phases. The order does not state in the supplied information whether an alternative route or designated holding areas will be provided for vehicles stopped before the closure period.
NH-10 passes through a mountainous corridor where road movement can be affected by slope instability and landslides. The current work is intended to address risks associated with the hillside along the Sevoke-Rangpo section, but the order gives no further details on the specific locations of excavation, the executing contractors, or the expected completion of individual work sites.
The restrictions are scheduled to remain in force until December 13 in the first phase and from January 3 to February 13 in the second phase. NHIDCL’s order identifies the night-time closure as a safety measure linked to the planned excavation and slope protection works.
