GANGTOK,: The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is all set to carryout restoration works along the National Highway 10, the principle route connecting Sikkim with rest of the nation.
As part of the restoration work, the NHIDCL has issued a restriction order of vehicular movement along the NH 10 considering safety and congestion of traffic. The NHIDCL is all set to begin the restoration of identified highly critical locations.
The closure of NH 10 is scheduled on April 9 and 10 wherein the restoration works would be prioritized in two important locations that are Likhuvir and a slide zone near Melli. Likewise, the said route is said to be closed again from April 17 till 19 for three days following restoration of critical areas.
As per the sources, it is learnt that the NH10 stretching from Sevoke in West Bengal till Rangpo border of Sikkim which tunes to 52.1km has over 120 locations which requires intervention following smooth traffic during monsoon. Out of the 120 locations, the NHIDCL have identified 44 important and critical locations along the route which needs restoration intervention on priority. It is during the closure period the NHIDCL plans to initiate restoration works considering uninterrupted vehicular movement during monsoon.
It is added that as the works in the identified critical locations requires mobilization of men and machine and as the works needs to done within a limited time the closure has been requested keeping in view the safety of commuters, vehicles and the traffic congestion.
It was further added that the restoration works along NH10 even after the closure of the route will continue. We are hopeful that during that time complete closure might not be needed, the NHIDCL officials informed.
Following the request made by NHIDCL on restriction be imposed along NH10, the District Collector Kalimpong District has also issued a route diversion order too.