NH-10’s Sevoke-Rangpo Stretch Handed Over to NHIDCL for Improved Maintenance

The Central Government has transferred the responsibility of the 52.10-km Sevoke-Rangpo section of National Highway 10 (NH-10) to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), responding to long-standing requests from Sikkim and the hill regions of Darjeeling and Kalimpong. This transfer, previously under the West Bengal Government’s management, aims to improve maintenance and operational efficiency on the critical route connecting North Bengal with Sikkim.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Sikkim has expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, for their prompt response. BJP Sikkim noted that their appeals for a change in NH-10’s management, citing frequent maintenance issues during the monsoon season, were met with action following extensive communication with the Ministry.

The shift of responsibility was formalized through a Gazette Notification under Section 5 of the National Highways Act, 1956, enabling NHIDCL to oversee the stretch’s upkeep and improvement. With NHIDCL’s supervision, the people of Sikkim and North Bengal’s hill regions can expect more consistent maintenance and potential infrastructure expansion on NH-10.

This decision highlights the Central Government’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity, offering smoother travel and economic growth opportunities to communities in Sikkim and North Bengal.