Sikkim: New Traffic Order Issued To Ease Congestion On Mangan-Chungthang Route

GANGTOK: The Superintendent of Police of Mangan District, Sikkim, has issued a new Vehicular Traffic Movement Regulation Order under the Sikkim Police Act, 2008, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion and ensuring smooth road maintenance.

Effective from January 2, 2025, the order implements revised traffic routes between Mangan and Chungthang, while the Toong-Naga route will remain closed to all vehicles until further notice.

According to the order, light vehicles traveling in both directions must follow the Phidang-Sanklang-Shipgyer-Chungthang route, with the option to use alternative paths. For heavy vehicles, stricter timing restrictions are in place.

Traffic from Phidang Bridge to Sanklang is allowed only between 1:00 AM and 1:00 PM, while traffic moving downward from Chungthang to Sanklang is permitted between 4:00 PM and 11:30 PM.

The regulation comes after the reopening of the Bailey Bridge at Sanklang, which restored the connection between Mangan and Dzongu following the flash floods of June 2023. However, due to deteriorating conditions on the Toong-Naga route, its closure has been deemed necessary for urgent repairs, which are expected to be completed by January 31, 2025.

Pursuant to "The Sikkim Police Act, 2008," I hereby issue the following directives regarding the movement of vehicles between Mangan and Chungthang, and vice versa:

i. For Light Vehicles (Both Upward and Downward Traffic)

All light vehicles must follow the Phidang – Sanklang – Shipgyer – Chungthang route or the Mangan – Sanklang – Shipgyer – Chungthang route, depending on their convenience. They may choose either route as per their preference.

ii. For Heavy Vehicles

(a) Trucks and buses are strictly prohibited from traveling from Phidang Bridge towards Sanklang.

(b) Trucks and buses may travel from Sanklang (upward) to Chungthang between 1:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

(c) Trucks and buses may travel from Chungthang towards Sanklang (downward) between 4:00 PM and 11:30 PM.

Law enforcement will set up barricades at Naga and Shipgyer to ensure adherence to the new regulations. This order overrides the restrictions issued in July 2024 and is designed to alleviate congestion, prevent accidents, and facilitate seamless road maintenance. Travelers are strongly encouraged to comply with these directives to ensure public safety and enhance operational efficiency.

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