The National Highway 10 (NH10), stretching from Rangpo to Sevoke, stands as a critical lifeline for the people of Sikkim and North Bengal, including the Kalimpong district. Yet, this vital artery has been languishing under the negligence and inefficacy of governmental oversight, especially from the West Bengal Public Works Department (PWD). Recent directives by Union Road, Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to expedite the transfer of this stretch to the Central agency NHIDCL offer a glimmer of hope but also underscore the long-standing apathy that has worsened the condition of this essential route.
Despite its significance, NH10 has been battered by the monsoon rains and the flooding Teesta river, causing frequent disruptions due to landslides and road subsidence. These disruptions force locals and travellers to endure longer detours, exacerbating the already challenging living conditions in the region.
The neglect by the West Bengal PWD is not a new phenomenon. The dilapidated state of NH10 has been a persistent issue, highlighted by the delayed response following the Teesta river flood last October. This inaction has only been compounded by the onset of the monsoons, further deteriorating the road's condition. The urgent need for proper maintenance and timely interventions has been blatantly ignored, leaving the highway in a perilous state.
Darjeeling Lok Sabha MP Raju Bista's recent meeting with Nitin Gadkari brought these issues to the forefront, prompting Gadkari to direct his ministry officials to expedite the process of transferring NH10 from the West Bengal PWD to NHIDCL. This move, while necessary, is a stark reminder of the West Bengal government's inability to manage such a crucial infrastructure project effectively. The centralization of control is a step towards ensuring better management and maintenance, but it also raises questions about why such measures were not taken sooner.
Sikkim Chief Minister PS Golay's persistent advocacy for the transfer of NH10 to a central agency underscores the frustration and desperation felt by the people of Sikkim. During his meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Nitin Gadkari, Golay emphasized the need for greater central oversight to ensure the highway's improvement. The Sikkim government's push for this change highlights the state's reliance on NH10 and the critical need for its upkeep.
The state of NH10 is not just a local issue but a national concern. The highway's maintenance is paramount not only for the daily lives of the people it serves but also for the security and strategic interests of the nation. The central government's involvement, through agencies like NHIDCL, promises a more robust and prioritized approach to maintaining this crucial route.
