GANGTOK: BJP Sikkim State president DR Thapa met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, in New Delhi on Wednesday to address Sikkim’s pressing infrastructure challenges, critical for its economy and tourism. The discussion centered on the agendas to restore and upgrade road connectivity, which is in a critical stage even the State is celebrating its 50 years of Statehood, a State BJP press release informs.
First, Thapa emphasized urgent rehabilitation of National Highway 10, the lifeline of Sikkim, severely damaged by the 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) and recurring landslides.
The Monsoon closures have disrupted supplies, halved tourist arrivals, and inflated commodity prices, threatening hotel business and livelihoods.
He requested climate-resilient measures like slope stabilization, realignment, and enhanced NHIDCL-state coordination. He also proposed an alternative highway between Singtam and Sevoke on the opposite side of existing NH10 for reliable connectivity in the region.
Second, the focus was on restoring connectivity in North Sikkim, crippled by the 2023 GLOF and the landslides triggered by the monsoon, which destroyed 14 bridges and damaged NH-10 and adjoining connectivity infrastructures, isolating Dzongu, Chungthang, Lachen, and Lachung. Temporary repairs have failed again and again, devastating the tourism-driven economy in the district.
Thapa requested swift reconstruction with durable infrastructure, leveraging NHIDCL and BRO expertise to secure livelihoods as well as national security.
Similarly, to address severe traffic congestion in Gangtok, the State BJP president has proposed Ring Road in the capital town. Gangtok with over one lakh vehicles causing 3–4 hour daily delays, the Ring Road would ease pressure on outdated infrastructure, improve mobility for students, businesses, and defense, and boost tourism.
The State president requested feasibility study and prioritized funding for the project.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has assured the Centre’s commitment to resolving these issues, outlining ongoing and proposed projects, the release mentions.
BJP Sikkim reiterated its dedication to the development of the State under the visionary guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, states the release.
- SA Report
