NHIDCL steps up restoration at 20th Mile landslide on NH-10
NHIDCL continues round-the-clock clearance of a landslide at 20th Mile on the Rangpo-Singtam stretch of NH-10, with temporary traffic diversions in place and a.
The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is continuing restoration work at 20th Mile on the Rangpo-Singtam stretch of NH-10. The landslide was triggered by incessant rainfall, and it has forced the diversion of traffic for over two weeks.
NHIDCL said personnel and heavy machinery were deployed soon after the incident was reported. However, continuous heavy rain and fresh mudslides have slowed the clearance process. Officials also noted that the affected portion, which initially measured around 60 to 70 metres, has widened to more than 150 metres, increasing the scale of the operation.
Traffic diversion continues as clearance work goes on
For daily movement, light vehicles are currently being diverted via Duga, under the West Pandam constituency. Heavy vehicles are being routed through the Rorathang-Pakyong route. NHIDCL officials said the ongoing efforts focus on temporary restoration so connectivity can resume when conditions allow.
At the site, NHIDCL has engaged more than 10 heavy machines and a large workforce to remove debris. Officials said work is being carried out on a continuous basis, but the monsoon has led to temporary suspension of some restoration activities. The clearance and related work are expected to resume once weather conditions improve.
Plans for tunnels and road strengthening
For a longer-term solution, NHIDCL has prepared and submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Ministry. The proposal includes construction of four tunnels along the Rangpo-Singtam stretch of NH-10, with lengths ranging from 60 metres to 750 metres. NHIDCL officials said that, once approved and implemented, the highway could become an all-weather road.
Separately, for the S-Turning stretch, NHIDCL officials said an inspection found that strengthening the existing alignment is more feasible than using alternative routes with steeper gradients. They added that 103 of the 153 foundation pilings have been completed from the riverside upwards. NHIDCL indicated that the road will be opened as soon as it is possible to do so safely after the monsoon impact reduces.
