GANGTOK,: Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba on Thursday met Union Road Transport & Highways minister Nitin Gadkari at his office in the Parliament House.
During the meeting, the Lok Sabha MP thanked the Union minister for the prompt action in transferring the maintenance of NH-10 to NHIDCL, ensuring better upkeep of this critical highway for Sikkim.
A press release informs that Indra Hang further urged the Union minister to expedite the approval process for an alternative National Highway from Melli to Singtam and Singtam to Sevoke. The proposed greenfield all-weather highway on the opposite hillside of the existing NH-10 aims to enhance connectivity and provide a more persistent transportation network.
Additionally, the Lok Sabha MP submitted a formal request for the development of new National Highways in Soreng and Gyalshing districts, which currently have limited NH connectivity. At present, only a small portion (approximately 30 km) of NH-510 passes through Gyalshing district.
Indra Hang specifically requested the Road Transport & Highways ministry to consider and expedite approvals for National Highways along the following routes:
1. Manpur to Legship via Jorethang, connecting NH-710 and NH-510.
2. Nayabazar–Daramdin–Sombaria–Soreng–Kaluk–Dentam–Chiwabhanjyang.
3. Gyalshing–Pelling–Yuksam–Tashiding–Yuksam.
Highlighting the significance of robust road infrastructure for Sikkim’s development, Indra Hang emphasized the need for prioritizing connectivity in remote areas. He remains optimistic that under the able leadership of Nitin Gadkari, the ministry will take necessary steps to improve transportation access across the State, the release informs.