Sikkim PWD Expedites Repair Work on NH10, Light Vehicle Traffic to Resume by Tuesday
Heavy vehicle traffic may take longer to resume
In order to resume light vehicle and two-wheeler traffic on the main highway that links the Himalayan state of Sikkim and the Kalimpong district of Bengal with the rest of the nation, the state PWD has expedited repair and restoration work on the damaged stretches of NH10.
The Sikkim flash flood on October 4 severely damaged the highway.
The entire road washed away in some spots. In others, the road was covered in debris and silt.
"To restore the highway to its original condition, we have been repairing the damaged sections for the past week. Between Kalijhora and Teesta Bazar, there has been significant damage. We anticipate that the road will be passable to small cars by Tuesday, provided that the Teesta's water levels do not rise once more. Vehicles will only be permitted in one flank on damaged sections, according to a state PWD (NH division X) official.
Vehicles traveling from Siliguri to Sikkim and Kalimpong, and vice versa, are detouring following the flash flood.
Senior PWD officials who had examined the highway following the accident reported that the most of the damage was found in the 20-kilometer area between Kalijhora and Teesta Bazar, namely in Geilkhola, 29th Mile, Likhuvir, and Teesta Bazar.
"The section in Sikkim that runs from Teesta Bazar to Rangpo is operating. Furthermore, the official stated that there was no significant damage in the areas that ran from Siliguri to Sevoke, Kalijhora, and 29th Mile, as well as a few kilometers beyond Kalijhora.
He claims that in certain areas where the road has been washed away, mountains have been hacked down for the route's construction using excavators.
"In other places, where silt deposits are substantial, we are leveling the debris to allow vehicles to pass and cleaning the silt to reveal the road surface. This is an interim solution being implemented. Some impacted locations have also been linked to the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). But we are unable to predict when the road will be suitable for heavy vehicle traffic," a state PWD engineer stated.
Those who own restaurants near the highway have also been impacted by the stop in traffic.
Both locals and tourists frequent the restaurants and other local eateries located at various locations along NH10 while traveling. The restaurants have closed since October 4 because there hasn't been any traffic between Teesta Bazar and Sevoke. The proprietors and staff of these restaurants have suffered financially as a result of the calamity, according to Teesta Bazar local Subhash Lama.
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