The Chief Minister of Sikkim, Mr. Prem
Singh Tamang, recently updated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the critical
infrastructure challenges faced by Sikkim during a visit to the national
capital. The presentation of the Post Disaster Need Assessment report,
estimating a requirement of Rs. 3673.25 crore for recovery and reconstruction,
underscores the pressing need for continued support and robust infrastructural
improvements in the state.
One of the most significant concerns
highlighted by the Chief Minister is the status of National Highway 10 (NH-10).
This crucial artery is currently maintained by the West Bengal Public Works
Department (PWD) and is prone to frequent disruptions, severely affecting
Sikkim's connectivity with the rest of the country. The Chief Minister rightly
proposed that the maintenance of NH-10 be transferred to a central agency such
as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) or the National Highways and
Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). Given NH-10’s
strategic importance, especially in a landlocked state like Sikkim, it is
imperative that a permanent solution is found to ensure its uninterrupted
operation. The 54 km stretch of the highway running through West Bengal from
the Coronation Bridge at Sevoke to Rangpo is particularly vulnerable and
demands immediate attention.
Moreover, the restoration of NH-310A,
which connects Gangtok to the Indo-China border, is another critical issue.
Recent cloudbursts have rendered this highway nearly impassable, demonstrating
the fragile nature of Sikkim’s current connectivity infrastructure. Given the
geopolitical significance of this route, urgent intervention is necessary to
restore and secure this vital link.
The Chief Minister also proposed an
ambitious but necessary project: the development of a Himalayan Railway Line
between Bakrakote in West Bengal and Rorathang in Sikkim. This proposal,
supported by historical correspondence dating back to 1917, could revolutionize
connectivity in the region, providing a more resilient and reliable mode of
transport compared to the existing road network prone to natural disruptions.
Another aspect of the infrastructure
crisis in Sikkim is the need for extensive River Training Works (RTW). The
catastrophic cloudburst on October 4, 2023, caused a significant discharge in
the Teesta River, raising the riverbed by 8-10 meters and altering its
morphology. This has created an urgent need for RTW from Zeema to Melli,
including Chungthang, Mangan, Singtam, and Rangpo. The swollen Teesta River now
poses a grave threat to lives and properties, submerging low-lying areas and
endangering towns such as Dikchu, Singtam, Rangpo, and Melli. The Chief
Minister’s call for experts to study the river’s new morphology and provide
solutions is a step in the right direction, and the Union Minister of Jal
Shakti’s assurance to constitute a team for this purpose is a hopeful sign.
The call for improved infrastructure in
Sikkim is urgent and unavoidable. The state’s unique geographical and
environmental challenges require tailored, innovative solutions backed by
strong political will and adequate resources. The central government must heed
this call and act swiftly to ensure Sikkim’s sustainable development and
security.
