Indra Hang urges immediate permanent fix for recurring landslides at 20th Mile on NH 10

Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba has urged the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to take immediate steps to address recurring landslides at the 20th Mile Bardang stretch of NH 10. According to a statement, landslides and land instability have expanded since early this month, hurting regular vehicle movement and disrupting road connectivity between Sikkim and the rest of the country.

After meeting Union Minister Nitin Gadkari at Parliament House on Monday, Hang submitted a detailed representation seeking a permanent engineering solution. He said repeated slope stabilization efforts over the years have not stopped the problem, and frequent road closures have affected daily travel, the movement of essential commodities, tourism, and local economic activity.

Geotechnical study sought for tunnel or cut-and-cover option

In his submission, the MP requested a comprehensive geotechnical investigation of the landslide-prone stretch. Based on the study findings, he asked the government to consider building either a bypass tunnel or a cut-and-cover tunnel, depending on what is found to be technically, environmentally, and economically feasible.

He also requested that leading geotechnical institutions and experts be involved in the study. Hang argued that a tunnel-based approach would help ensure safer all-weather connectivity and reduce seasonal disruptions, especially during the monsoon period.

NHIDCL DPR already prepared for tunnel work

The statement said NHIDCL is carrying out restoration work, but the gradual expansion of the landslide is making clearance operations difficult. It further noted that NHIDCL has prepared and submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Ministry proposing four tunnels along the Rangpo-Singtam stretch of NH 10. Officials described the proposed tunnel lengths as ranging from 60 metres to 750 metres, which, if approved and implemented, are expected to make the highway an all-weather road.

Hang urged the Ministry to prioritise the matter and issue directions to expedite the geotechnical investigation and follow-up implementation of the recommended solution. He highlighted the strategic importance of NH 10 for Sikkim and sought early action to reduce repeated disruptions caused by landslides.