KalimNews, Siliguri, April 17, 2025 : In response to ongoing repairs and strengthening work on National Highway 10 (NH-10), the NHIDCL has issued a revised traffic advisory for April 18 and 19, 2025. This update follows earlier traffic restrictions announced on April 7, which were implemented to alleviate congestion and regulate traffic flow as part of the larger efforts by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to improve NH-10.
The ongoing works, crucial for maintaining this key route that connects Sikkim with the rest of India, have led to a series of temporary road closures and diversions aimed at minimizing disruption and ensuring public safety during the repair process.
National Highway 10 Closures:
NHIDCL has outlined specific road closures for April 18 and 19, 2025, due to essential repair activities at various locations along NH-10. As part of this effort, intermittent road closures will be enforced between 3 am and 6 pm, during which traffic will be disrupted at strategic points.
Closure Details:
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The road will remain closed from 3 am to 6 pm on both days, with limited open hours between 6 pm and 3 am, allowing vehicles to pass through for one hour in alternate periods.
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Heavy vehicles will be prohibited from using the highway during the entire closure window.
To manage traffic flow during these periods, police and traffic enforcement teams will be stationed at key locations to ensure compliance and minimize congestion.
In addition to the closures on NH-10, the District Magistrate of Kalimpong, Balasubramanian T, had emphasized the need for temporary diversions for vehicles traveling on the internal roads of Kalimpong district from April 9, 2025 and continue through April 19, with possible extensions depending on the progress of the repair works.
Key Changes to Internal Road Traffic:
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Heavy Vehicle Restrictions:
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Vehicles weighing over 6 tonnes will be banned from using two major routes:
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Gorubathan Pandara to Reshi via Lava, Algarah, and Pedong
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Gorubathan Pandara to Kalimpong via Lava and Algarah.
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Heavy vehicles up to 6 tonnes will only be permitted to travel from Algarah to Kalimpong during night hours (9:00 pm to 6:00 am).
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Restricted Vehicle Movement:
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No heavy vehicles are allowed to pass through Kalimpong unless their destination is the town itself.
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Police and Traffic Personnel:
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Police forces will be stationed at strategic points, including Pandara, Gorubathan, and other district border areas, to manage and enforce the diversions.
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The district police administration has called on the public and local commuters to cooperate with the authorities during this critical period. Police and traffic personnel will be enforcing the diversions, and adjustments may be made based on real-time conditions to ensure smoother traffic flow and public safety.
Tourists and residents traveling between Sikkim, Kalimpong, and Siliguri are advised to plan their journeys carefully. The temporary traffic restrictions and diversions are expected to cause significant delays during the closure periods. Local transport providers have recommended that travelers make necessary adjustments to their itineraries, especially on April 18 and 19, to avoid the disruption caused by the roadwork.
The ongoing repairs on NH-10, a vital lifeline for Kalimpong and Sikkim, are essential for ensuring the long-term usability of the road. However, the temporary closures and traffic diversions are expected to cause disruptions in the coming days. The Kalimpong District Administration and NHIDCL are working in coordination to manage these challenges and minimize their impact on commuters. Authorities are committed to keeping the public updated on any further changes or modifications to the traffic schedule as the situation progresses.
Travelers and locals are advised to follow all traffic advisories and cooperate with authorities to ensure a smooth and safe travel experience.
