Northeast Desk, 6th October: The entire Tista River basin area in the state has been severely impacted by a recent natural disaster, resulting in loss of lives and properties. The flash flood that occurred on October 4, 2023, has disrupted NH-10 at multiple locations between Gangtok and Siliguri.
As a result, alternative routes have been designated for the movement of vehicles from Siliguri to Gangtok and the South-west districts until NH-10 is restored. These routes are as follows:
A. Siliguri to Gangtok (and vice versa)
- For Small Light Vehicles: Siliguri-Sevok-Coronation Bridge-Gorubathan-Lava-Munsong-Rangpo-Gangtok
- For Heavy Vehicles: Siliguri-Gazoldoba-Damdim-Gorubathan-Lava-Algarah-Reshi (Sikkim-WB border)-Rhenock-Rorathang-Pakyong-Ranipool-Gangtok
B. Siliguri to South-West Districts (and vice versa)
- For Small Light Vehicles: Siliguri-Darjeeling-Singla-Jorethang-Namchi/Geyzing
- For Heavy Vehicles: Siliguri-Gazoldoba-Damdim-Gorubathan-Lava-Kalimpong-Chitray-Melli-Manpur-Namchi/Jorethang
It’s important to note that these alternative routes are longer than the usual routes. In light of the difficulties faced by the general public during this challenging time and to ensure the stability of essential commodity prices (such as groceries, medicines, vegetables, and food items), the Government has taken the following measures:
- No supervision charge will be imposed on private trucks carrying essential commodities at Rangpo, Reshi, and Melli Checkposts until NH-10 is fully restored.
- SNT (Sikkim Nationalized Transport) trucks will be made available to the public on demand at the normal fare, for transporting essential commodities. The contact details for booking SNT trucks are provided for convenience.
A. Kiran Bhujel, TI Matigara Goods Office (7001211375) & Enos Dhungel, Supervisor, Matigara Goods Office (8918425522)
B. Samarpan Gurung AE, SNT Rangpo Office (8158081883) & Urmila Tamang 1E, SNT Rangpo Office (9382715245, 7076033636)
- SNT buses will operate along the same routes at the normal fare to facilitate the commuting of the general public between Siliguri and Gangtok.
These measures aim to provide support and ease the burden on the public during this challenging period, ensuring access to essential goods and services.