NH 10 reopens partially after month-long landslide closure near 20th Mile in Sikkim
A crucial NH 10 stretch near the 20th Mile has partially reopened after more than a month following landslide damage. Traffic is being managed in intervals as a
A key stretch of National Highway 10 near the 20th Mile in Sikkim, which links the state to West Bengal, has partially reopened after being closed for more than a month due to landslides. The road had been shut following major debris and damage that developed after the initial slide.
Traffic allowed in intervals while restoration continues
According to Roads and Bridges Minister N.B. Dahal, traffic is being allowed through the affected section in intervals. He said restoration teams are continuing work to strengthen the road surface, and traffic may be stopped for a few hours at a time to allow safe operation of machinery and workers. Loose soil and unstable terrain remain concerns in the area.
Dahal said the closure began on the night of July 7 when the first landslide struck the site. While workers were clearing the initial debris, a second landslide followed and expanded across nearly 250 metres, worsening the damage and prolonging the disruption. He added that landslides were seen at the location in the past, but the recent incident was on a much larger scale.
The minister said the month-long shutdown disrupted one of Sikkim’s main road links, forcing vehicles to use longer alternative routes. He noted that heavy vehicles faced added difficulties because the alternate road is narrow and not suited for regular heavy traffic. Government officials have been working with NHIDCL, the agency responsible for maintaining and clearing the highway, to restore connectivity.
Strengthening work and long-term planning for a tunnel
Dahal said the teams have been clearing debris for several weeks and started allowing traffic from the reopened section. He said Granular Sub-Base (GSB) material is being placed on the affected stretch to strengthen it, after which loaded vehicles are expected to be allowed through. He also said the reduction in rainfall has helped, but strengthening and preparation work will continue.
For a longer-term solution, the minister said a Detailed Project Report for a tunnel has already been prepared and a detailed survey has been conducted. An expert team is working on the engineering plan, and technical documents are expected to be submitted around August 20 to the High Court of Sikkim, which is monitoring repeated disruptions of NH 10. Contractors and officials also mentioned other related projects, including a river embankment protection work below the affected section, and a new road project from Rangpo towards the border expected to be completed within the next two years.
