Sikkim's Road Projects Promise Enhanced Connectivity with Nepal and West Bengal

Gangtok: With major initiatives targeted at improving connectivity and repairing roads damaged by disasters, Sikkim's Roads and Bridges Minister, NB Dahal, has declared notable advancements in the state's infrastructure development.

Minister Dahal stated in an exclusive interview with Northeast Live that it is anticipated that the Chewabhanjyang Road, which connects Sikkim to Nepal via Utteray in West Sikkim, will be finished in a year. Once operational, the key route will support tourism and cross-border trade with Nepal.

Permanent restoration efforts could take at least two years in North Sikkim, where roads were badly damaged by recent Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF), according to Dahal.

Minister Dahal acknowledged that the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) had taken over the National Highway 10 from the West Bengal Public Works Department (PWD).

A cutting-edge motorway linking Siliguri and Gangtok is anticipated to be completed within two years as a result of this initiative. This project will witness swift completion owing to the enhanced financial authority of the NHIDCL, Dahal said.

Another important project that is approaching completion in two years is the alternate route from Bagrakot which is located in West Bengal. This project is expected to reduce the traffic on NH10.

Construction is anticipated to begin in February 2025 on the approved double-lane highway project that would link Rangpo with Ranipool. However, advancement requires the pay rate changes that the Indian government has demanded.

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