GANGTOK,: Activist Nawin Kiran Pradhan has urged that the upcoming Lok Sabha MP from Sikkim must prioritize the upgrading of NH 10, the lifeline of Sikkim which has seen multiple disruptions in recent times, especially after the October 2023 flash flood.
The latest closure of NH 10 was from May 6 to May 9 (till 6 am) for undertaking repair works on certain stretches. Till then, vehicular movement have been diverted to alternative but longer routes.
“For three consecutive days, the only road linking Sikkim with the rest of the country has been closed, causing significant disruptions to transportation and hindering the movement of goods and people. This closure underscores the longstanding challenges faced by the region due to inadequate road connectivity,” said Pradhan in a media statement on Wednesday.
“As road connectivity falls under the purview of the Union government, it is imperative that our elected representatives prioritize the rehabilitation and enhancement of National Highway 10. The forthcoming Members of Parliament must recognize the urgency of this matter and commit to addressing it as a top priority,” said Pradhan.
Pradhan has also contested for the lone Lok Sabha seat from Sikkim in the recently held election.
“Improving the condition of National Highway 10 is not merely a matter of convenience but a fundamental necessity for the socio-economic development of Sikkim. It is incumbent upon the government to allocate the necessary resources and expedite measures to ensure that the road infrastructure meets the needs of the region,” said Pradhan.
The activist maintained that the people of Sikkim deserve reliable and safe road connectivity that facilitates seamless movement and enables the State to fully harness its potential for progress. It is time for concerted action to transform NH 10 into a road worthy of the aspirations and aspirations of the people of Sikkim, he said.
