Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has ordered the immediate transfer of the Rangpo-Sevoke stretch of National Highway 10 (NH-10) from the West Bengal Public Works Department (PWD) to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL).
The decision follows a meeting with Sikkim’s Member of Parliament, Indra Hang Subba, on Thursday.
Subba, who met Gadkari at his Parliament office, submitted a memorandum emphasising the urgent need for effective repairs and upgrades to this vital stretch of NH-10, which serves as Sikkim's lifeline to the rest of India through Siliguri.
He urged that the highway's maintenance and management be transferred to a central agency under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) to ensure its long-term viability.
Currently, the Gangtok to Rangpo segment of NH-10 is managed by NHIDCL, while the Rangpo to Sevoke stretch falls under the jurisdiction of West Bengal PWD. Subba stressed that the call for this transfer should not be seen as a point of contention with the West Bengal government but rather as a practical measure to ensure the efficient maintenance of an interstate highway crucial for both Sikkim and West Bengal.
“Some might misinterpret this demand as a conflict, but it’s not. The NH-10 is an interstate highway that serves both Sikkim and Bengal. This isn’t a confrontation but a win-win situation for both governments, and I am confident West Bengal will agree,” Subba stated, seeking to dispel any notion of a rift between the two states.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay has also backed the demand, making it a key point in recent discussions with the Centre. Subba reiterated that this demand aligns with the state's long-term interests and should not be viewed as antagonistic.
At the meeting, Gadkari directed MoRTH officials to expedite the transfer of the Rangpo-Sevoke stretch to NHIDCL.
Ministry officials informed him that several high-level meetings had already taken place regarding the transfer, and Gadkari assured that the process would be completed soon.
Expressing gratitude to Gadkari for his swift action, Subba highlighted the urgent need for road realignment and the construction of tunnels in vulnerable areas of NH-10 to ensure the highway's climate resilience and constant operational capacity. The highway's significance extends beyond Sikkim's connectivity, serving as a critical route for national security.
“The importance of NH-10 for the people of Sikkim and national security cannot be overstated. Improving this route will enhance the quality of life for residents while ensuring strategic readiness in times of need,” Subba remarked.
Since the onset of the monsoon in June, the Rangpo-Sevoke stretch has been particularly vulnerable, experiencing multiple landslides and road subsidence that have disrupted Sikkim’s only road link to the rest of India for weeks.
The highway's fragility has been exacerbated by rising water levels in the Teesta River following the October 2023 flash floods.
Subba has been a vocal advocate for the transfer of NH-10 management, raising the issue in the Lok Sabha during the Union Budget and consistently following up with relevant ministers.
He said that the transfer to a central agency like NHIDCL would significantly benefit Sikkim and its residents, who rely heavily on this highway.
“Our chief minister, Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, has strongly supported this demand with the Centre, and I’m pleased that proactive steps are now being taken by MoRTH,” Subba concluded, expressing optimism about the highway's future under NHIDCL’s management.
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