Siliguri, Kalimpong, and Sikkim Stranded as Clearance Work Faces Obstacles
KalimNews, Kalimpong, July 20, 2025 : Vehicular movement on the critically important National Highway-10 (NH10), which connects Siliguri, Kalimpong, and Sikkim, has remained completely suspended for the second consecutive day on Saturday due to a massive landslide and rockfall near Birik Dara. The road has been rendered impassable since Friday morning, and despite continuous clearance efforts, ongoing rockfalls and falling debris have significantly delayed restoration activities, causing widespread disruption to commuters and transporters.
According to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL), the highway was shut down at around 11 a.m. on Friday after a major landslip occurred at Km 11.2, near Birik Dara. The massive volume of rocks and debris continues to fall, complicating clearance operations. NHIDCL officials confirmed on Saturday that although heavy machinery has been deployed and work is ongoing, the persistent rockfalls are seriously hampering the progress of restoration work.
“The clearance activities are underway, but the ongoing rockfall is hampering progress. The road remains closed today, and vehicular movement continues to be restricted,” said a statement issued by the NHIDCL’s Siliguri office.
Uncertainty About Road Reopening
As per NHIDCL’s latest update, the highway is expected to reopen within the next 24 hours, depending on favorable weather and ground conditions. However, given the severity of the landslide and the ongoing rockfall, officials have urged commuters to avoid the route and monitor official channels for real-time traffic updates.
This extended closure of NH10 has caused considerable disruption to daily commuters, travelers, and transporters traveling to and from Kalimpong and Sikkim, particularly since the highway serves as a vital artery for these regions.
The closure has severely impacted the movement of goods and essential services, with local businesses also feeling the strain of the blockage. NHIDCL and local authorities are working around the clock to restore the road to normalcy, but the situation remains fluid.
Alternative Routes for Light Traffic
While clearance activities continue at Birik Dara, alternative routes have been made available for light traffic to bypass the affected section. Commuters traveling towards Gangtok can opt for the following alternative routes from Siliguri:
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Siliguri-Jorbungalow-Teesta Bazaar-Rangpo-Gangtok
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Siliguri-Sevoke-Damdim-Gorubathan-Lava-Alagarah-Rangpo-Gangtok
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Siliguri-Sevoke-Bagrakote-Lava-Alagarah-Rangpo-Gangtok (NH 717A)
The authorities have assured that the BRO (Border Roads Organisation) is working on clearance at specific locations along these alternative routes. Travelers are advised to check for the latest updates on route conditions, as slide clearance activities are still underway at some spots.
Continuous Rockfall Hindering Progress
Despite the efforts of a dedicated team of engineers and workers, the falling rocks and debris continue to obstruct the road clearance machinery. The rockfall at Birik Dara has been an ongoing problem, with several smaller landslides in NH10 at different sites adding to the chaos. Given the nature of the terrain and the continuous risk of further landslides, the restoration work is proceeding with extreme caution.
As of the latest update, the road remains impassable to all vehicles, and the NHIDCL has stated that while they are hopeful of reopening the stretch in the coming hours, they are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates accordingly.
Impact on Commuters and Local Economy
The closure of NH10 is not only affecting individual commuters but is also impacting the local economy. The Himalayan state of Sikkim is heavily dependent on National Highway-10 (NH10) as its prime connecting route. This highway is the lifeline for the state, serving as the sole major road link between Sikkim and the rest of India, particularly the important towns of Siliguri in West Bengal. NH10 plays a critical role not only in the transportation of goods and supplies but also for the movement of people, tourists, and essential services into and out of the state. Given Sikkim’s challenging geography, with limited road connectivity due to its mountainous terrain, NH10 is essential for the state’s economic, social, and logistical functioning.
Kalimpong, a hill station and popular tourist destination in West Bengal, also depends heavily on the highway for the transportation of goods and supplies. With no immediate alternate route for larger vehicles and trucks, the situation is putting a strain on businesses that rely on the smooth transport of essential goods. Local authorities have appealed to the public for patience and have assured that every effort is being made to restore access to the affected regions as soon as possible.
As the region faces this uncertainty, authorities continue to urge travelers to stay informed through official NHIDCL channels and news outlets to plan their journeys and avoid unnecessary delays.
Looking Ahead
While there is no definite timeline for the reopening of NH10, NHIDCL has emphasized that its priority is to clear the landslide debris and restore the route. The unpredictable weather conditions and the constant rockfall remain the major challenges to the restoration work.
Travelers planning to move between Siliguri, Kalimpong, and Gangtok are strongly advised to take alternative routes until the situation is resolved. Those heading to Sikkim or Kalimpong are also urged to keep abreast of real-time updates from the local authorities and consider postponing non-essential travel.
Authorities are hopeful that the road will be cleared soon and that life will return to normal, but for now, the uncertainty around NH10’s reopening has left travelers in limbo.
