1. Nitin Gadkari directs NHIDCL to take control of the 54km stretch of NH10 in Bengal.
2. The crucial highway, currently under the state’s public works department, is vital for Sikkim and Kalimpong.
3. The move aims to improve maintenance and enhance the highway’s significance for the region.
Kolkata, Dec 16: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has directed the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to take over a crucial 54km stretch of NH10 in Bengal.
Currently managed by the state’s public works department, the NH10 is a lifeline for Sikkim and Kalimpong. BJP MP Raju Bista, who met with Gadkari, stated that the instruction aims to ensure better maintenance of the highway.
The stretch connects Sevoke with Rangpo, extending to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, and passing through the outskirts of Kalimpong near Teesta Bazar.
Bista emphasized the need to hand over the entire portion of NH10 to NHIDCL for more effective management. NHIDCL operates under Gadkari’s ministry and is actively involved in infrastructure development.
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The Border Roads Organization (BRO), a wing of the Union Defense Ministry, is also working on a parallel road (NH717A) to Sikkim from the Dooars, but completion is pending.
The importance of NH10 became evident after the October 4 flash flood in the Teesta, which halted traffic due to severe damage to the highway. Alleging inadequate repairs since then, Bista advocated for NHIDCL’s takeover for better maintenance.
However, Vedabrata Dutta, spokesperson for the Darjeeling (plains) district Trinamul, defended the state PWD, highlighting its efforts in maintaining the stretch, particularly during the monsoon season. He expressed appreciation for the state PWD’s work in reopening the highway after the disaster.
