Sikkim: Centre approves Melli–Singtam highway, an alternative to NH 10 скачать в хорошем качестве

Sikkim: Centre approves Melli–Singtam highway, an alternative to NH 10

Click here    / @eastmojoofficial   and ‘Join’ to become a part of the EastMojo family today! The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved the construction of National Highway 210 (NH-210), connecting Melli in Namchi District to Singtam in Gangtok District. The centrally approved project will be executed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), as per a notification issued on June 13. The new highway will begin at its junction with NH-710 near the Melli Teesta Bridge in Sikkim-West Bengal border and pass through Melli Bazar, Mamring, and Samardong in Namchi District, before terminating at its junction with NH-510 near Singtam, some 30 kms from Gangtok. The highway has been sanctioned under Section 5 of the National Highways Act, 1956. The development comes after years of persistent demand for improved road access within the state. For decades, Sikkim has relied heavily on National Highway 10 (NH-10), a vital lifeline that passes through Kalimpong and Darjeeling districts in West Bengal. This route has long been plagued by monsoonal landslides, swelling of Teesta river, and frequent disruptions due to social unrest in North Bengal. Despite longstanding claims that Sikkim’s highway connectivity must necessarily traverse West Bengal, the approval of NH-210 demonstrates a shift toward strengthening intra-state routes. However, it is important to note that full connectivity to the rest of the country will still require access through West Bengal. The new highway, while offering a more stable internal corridor, will not completely replace dependency on West Bengal for connectivity with rest of the country. Tanka Prasad Sharma, a local citizen and school headmaster from the Melli town, described the project as a “great opportunity” for the people of Sikkim. “Earlier, traveling this stretch was difficult and risky. With the new road, we’re looking at safer, smoother, and more efficient connectivity,” he said. Sharma noted that the upgraded route will especially benefit daily commuters, transporters, and the tourism sector. Manoj Kumar Gupta, president of Melli Bazar Development and Managment committee added that while the terrain remains sensitive, the government has already initiated some protection works along vulnerable points. “This project reflects the government’s seriousness in addressing long-term connectivity and disaster resilience. It’s a long-overdue step,” said Gupta. Damber Basnet, panchayat of Melli town shared, "Melli to Singtam road demand has been on going for long, a major development in the NH connecting Melli Singtam is that the single entry point to Sikkim will now begin from Melli now as against Rangpo which served as the most important checkpost between Sikkim and West Bengal. The current government has worked hard to ensure that major part of NH falls entirely in Sikkim. It will also benefit Melli town as a business hub, as even the Railway connectivity is close to Melli. This is a gift to Sikkim as part of 50 years of statehood". The Melli–Singtam highway is expected to ease pressure on NH-10 and provide an alternative corridor within the state. ========= Support Independent Journalism by becoming Our Premium Member: https://eastmojo.com/eastmojo-subscri... ========= Subscribe to never miss an update:    / @eastmojoofficial   ========= Visit our website: https://www.eastmojo.com/ Become a Premium Member: https://eastmojo.com/eastmojo-subscri... Find us on Google: https://news.google.com/publications/... Social Links: Facebook:   / eastmojo   Twitter:   / eastmojo   Instagram:   / east.mojo   Reddit:   / eastmojo   ========= #EastMojo #EastStory #northeastindia #northeast #sikkim #gangtok #melli #singtam #nh210 #nh10 #nationalhighway