5 hrs ago
NH-10 to Get Rs 993-Crore Upgrade Amid Landslide Closures
National Highway 10 is an important road connecting Sikkim with West Bengal.
It often closes when landslides or sinking ground damage it.
India has approved Rs 993.64 crore to improve a stretch between Rangpo and Ranipool.
The plans include two lanes, paved shoulders, tunnels, bridges and structures called viaducts.
Workers will also take steps to protect slopes and unstable areas.
These changes are intended to make journeys to Gangtok and across Sikkim safer and more reliable.
The road also carries important goods and supports tourism and farming.
It is also important for moving defence personnel and supplies.
India approved Rs 993.64 crore to upgrade the Rangpo-Ranipool stretch of National Highway 10.
Plans include a two-lane highway with paved shoulders, tunnels, viaducts, bridges and slope-protection measures.
The project aims to improve safer, faster and more reliable access to Gangtok and other parts of Sikkim.
Officials say the upgraded road will support tourism, agriculture, horticulture, essential goods and strategic transport.
The highway has faced repeated landslide and sinking-related closures; a major closure began on July 7 and the road reopened in August.
- Who
- The Indian government approved the project; Union Roads, Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced it.
- What
- A Rs 993.64-crore upgrade of the Rangpo-Ranipool stretch of National Highway 10.
- Where
- The Rangpo-Ranipool stretch of NH-10 in Sikkim, connecting toward Gangtok.
- When
- The announcement was reported in the article; no announcement date is given. The highway reopened in August after a closure that began July 7.
- Why
- To improve safety and reliability on a landslide- and sinking-prone route and support regional and strategic connectivity.
Key facts
- Approved funding
- Rs 993.64 crore
- Project stretch
- Rangpo to Ranipool on NH-10
- Planned road
- Two lanes with paved shoulders
- Planned structures
- Tunnels, viaducts, bridges and cut-and-cover sections
- Key risks addressed
- Landslides, vulnerable sliding zones and sinking ground
- Reported closure
- A major landslide closed the stretch on July 7; it reopened in August after more than a month.
- Additional importance
- The route supports essential goods movement and strategic connectivity for defence personnel and supplies.
Quotes
Indra Hang Subba
Lok Sabha MP from Sikkim
“In Sikkim, we have approved Rs 993.64 crore for the development of NH-10 from Rangpo to Ranipool into a two-lane highway with paved shoulders, including the construction of tunnels, viaducts and treatment of vulnerable sliding and sinking zones.”
NDTV
“This will support tourism, agriculture, horticulture and the movement of essential goods, while also strengthening strategic connectivity for our nation.”
NDTV
Sources
Related news
Landslides Disrupt Road Connectivity Across Sikkim, Nepal and Bhutan
NH10 Night Restrictions for Repairs Prompt Tourism Groups' Concerns
NH10 Reopens One-Way After Mudslide as Yuksom Families Affected
Birbhum Gets Rs 508 Crore Plan to Upgrade Two Highways
Rajasthan Plans Rs 882 Crore Four-Lane Highway Upgrade
Sikkim Faces Fresh Landslides and First Snowfall Amid Heavy Rain
Sikkim CM Hails Modi’s 25 Years in Public Service
Sikkim Dance Academy to Represent India at Vietnam Festival
Sikkim Scheme Offers Mothers Financial Support and Independence
AAI Studies Three Sikkim Sites for Possible Greenfield Airports