The decision by the Ministry of Road
Transport and Highways to transfer the construction, maintenance, and
management of the Sevoke-Rangpo stretch of NH-10 from West Bengal’s Public
Works Department (PWD) to the National Highways & Infrastructure
Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is a crucial step in addressing a
long-standing demand of Sikkim’s people. This 52.10 km highway, a lifeline for
Sikkim’s connectivity with West Bengal and the broader Indian mainland, has
suffered due to inadequate maintenance, particularly in managing landslides and
deteriorating road conditions. This move to entrust the NHIDCL with the stretch
brings hope for overdue improvements, but it also raises critical questions
about whether these promises will be fully realized and sustained.
The chronic issues on NH-10 are a source
of frequent disruption for residents, travellers, and businesses. Sikkim's sole
road link to the rest of the country is not just a route; it is the artery that
fuels tourism, trade, and local livelihoods. Yet, landslides and poor road
conditions have rendered this essential highway unreliable, unsafe, and a major
bottleneck for the region's economic growth. The central government’s
allocation of Rs. 394 crore in 2023-24 for landslide mitigation along
vulnerable points of NH-10, along with an additional Rs. 125 crore in 2024-25,
reflects an attempt to address the core challenges. However, these figures,
while encouraging on paper, highlight the question of efficient utilization and
proper oversight. Past experiences with similar large-scale infrastructure
investments show that without stringent monitoring and timely execution, funds
can fail to translate into meaningful improvements on the ground. It is crucial
that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways introduces clear deadlines,
transparent reporting, and robust accountability mechanisms to guarantee that
this “landmark” project truly fulfills its promises.
An equally significant aspect is the
impact of improved infrastructure on local communities. For the countless taxi,
bus, and truck drivers who navigate NH-10 daily, better road conditions mean
safer journeys and fewer disruptions. Yet, the focus should not merely be on
construction and expansion but on implementing ongoing maintenance and
proactive mitigation measures that preempt damage from monsoon-induced
landslides. Historically, NH-10 has suffered from a lack of preventive care,
leading to annual repair cycles rather than sustainable solutions. This
tendency toward reactionary, short-term fixes must be addressed if NH-10 is to
become a truly reliable conduit for Sikkim’s socio-economic aspirations.
While the Sevoke-Rangpo project signals a
progressive shift in regional infrastructure policy, much hinges on its
execution. As the central government champions this initiative as a step
towards improved regional connectivity and economic integration, it must not
lose sight of the real concerns on the ground. Sikkim’s people deserve more
than a symbolic gesture; they need a well-maintained, safe, and dependable
NH-10 that will serve not only their immediate needs but also the state’s
long-term development goals.
