Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Centre Approves Rs 993.64 Crore NH-10 Upgrade in Sikkim
NH-10 is an important road linking Sikkim with other parts of India.
Landslides and unstable ground have sometimes forced it to close.
The Centre has approved Rs 993.64 crore to improve the Rangpo-Ranipool section.
The plan is to make it a two-lane road with paved shoulders.
It also includes tunnels, bridges and other structures to help the road cope with difficult mountain terrain.
These improvements are meant to make journeys safer and more reliable.
The road is used by residents and carries essential goods.
It also supports tourism, farming and strategic transport.
A major closure began on July 7, and the road reopened in August.
The Centre approved Rs 993.64 crore to upgrade the Rangpo-Ranipool stretch of NH-10 in Sikkim.
Plans include a two-lane road with paved shoulders, tunnels, viaducts, bridges, cut-and-cover sections and slope-protection work.
The project is intended to make travel to Gangtok and across Sikkim safer, faster and more resilient.
Officials say the upgraded route will support tourism, agriculture, horticulture, essential goods and strategic transport.
NH-10 has faced repeated landslide and sinking-related closures; a major closure began July 7 and the stretch reopened in August.
- Who
- The Centre approved the project; Union minister Nitin Gadkari announced it.
- What
- A Rs 993.64-crore upgrade of the Rangpo-Ranipool stretch of NH-10 to a two-lane highway with paved shoulders and additional structures.
- When
- The articles do not give the approval date. The stretch reopened in August after a closure that began July 7.
- Where
- The Rangpo-Ranipool stretch of National Highway 10 in Sikkim.
- Why
- To improve road safety and resilience on a route prone to landslides and sinking, and to support regional and strategic connectivity.
Supporters of the upgrade
Concerns about the route
Expected benefits and persistent vulnerability
Supporters of the upgrade
Officials and elected representatives welcomed the investment, saying it should improve safety and reliability and benefit tourism, agriculture, trade and strategic transport.
Concerns about the route
The articles describe recurring landslides, sinking and erosion along the route, as well as past prolonged closures that disrupted travel and economic activity.
- Approved funding
- Rs 993.64 crore
- Project stretch
- Rangpo to Ranipool on NH-10
- Distance
- Around 28 kilometres
- Planned road
- Two lanes with paved shoulders
- Planned structures
- Tunnels, viaducts, bridges and cut-and-cover sections
- Key hazards addressed
- Vulnerable sliding and sinking zones, landslides and unstable slopes
- Reported closure
- The stretch was closed on July 7 after a major landslide and reopened in August after more than a month.
- Intended benefits
- Safer, more reliable connectivity, supporting tourism, agriculture, horticulture, essential goods and defence transport
