4 hrs ago
NH10 Night Restrictions for Repairs Prompt Tourism Groups' Concerns
A busy road called NH10 connects the plains with Sikkim and other hill destinations.
It will be closed to all vehicles at night during two periods in October and November.
The closures are for work on a 52-kilometre stretch between Sevoke and Rangpo.
Crews plan to dig and protect slopes, and to reduce landslide risks.
The highway authority says the work could be hazardous for passing vehicles and that some road sections need repairs soon.
Tourism groups say the closures could disrupt trips during a busy holiday season.
They have asked for the work to be moved to January, when fewer tourists travel.
The authority may announce extra restrictions as work and safety conditions require.
NH10 will be closed to all classes of vehicles from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. in two phases: October 7–15 and October 26–November 5.
The restrictions cover a 52-kilometre stretch from Sevoke’s Coronation Bridge to Rangpo.
NHIDCL plans excavation, slope protection and landslide mitigation work, citing safety hazards during the repairs.
Tourism associations want the maintenance deferred to January, saying the restrictions could disrupt peak-season travel and local businesses.
NHIDCL sources say some stretches are dangerous and need immediate repair; further restrictions may be announced depending on work progress and safety conditions.
- Who
- The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) will carry out the work; tourism associations have asked it to reconsider the schedule.
- What
- Night restrictions for all classes of vehicles to allow road repairs and slope protection work.
- Where
- The 52-kilometre NH10 stretch between Sevoke’s Coronation Bridge and Rangpo, including work sites in the Kalimpong district section of West Bengal.
- When
- 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., October 7–15 and October 26–November 5; the year is not specified.
- Why
- NHIDCL says the work is needed to address dangerous stretches and protect road users during excavation and slope work; tourism groups say the timing risks disrupting peak-season travel.
Tourism associations
NHIDCL
Timing of the work
Tourism associations
Tourism representatives say the restrictions fall during an important holiday travel season and have asked for the work to be deferred to January.
NHIDCL
NHIDCL sources say some stretches have become dangerous and need immediate repair.
Impact of restrictions
Tourism associations
Tourism representatives say night closures could disrupt itineraries, transport and accommodation plans, and affect local tourism businesses and residents.
NHIDCL
NHIDCL says restricting traffic is necessary for road-user safety during excavation and slope protection work that could pose hazards to passing vehicles.
Key facts
- Restriction hours
- 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- First phase
- October 7–15
- Second phase
- October 26–November 5
- Vehicles affected
- All classes of vehicles
- Work stretch
- 52 kilometres, from Sevoke’s Coronation Bridge to Rangpo
- Planned work
- Excavation, slope protection and landslide mitigation
- Tourism associations' request
- Defer maintenance to January, when tourist inflow is lower
- Possible additional measures
- Further restrictions may be announced; diversions or regulated movement may be introduced
Quotes
Tanmoy Goswami
General secretary of the Himalayan Hospitality and Tourism Development Network
“Keeping this in view, we would like to request the authority to carry out the necessary maintenance work of the highway during winter, when tourist inflow will be less.”
telegraphindia.com
“It will also impact the local tourism economy, which directly supports thousands of residents across the region.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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