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KalimNews, Kalimpong, August 10, 2025: The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) has issued an important notice regarding the closure of a section of National Highway 10 (NH10) between Km 20.0 (27th Mile) and Km 27.0 (Teesta Bazaar) for heavy vehicles. Citing safety concerns for vehicles plying on the highway, the NHIDCL announced that heavy vehicle traffic would remain suspended from 10:00 AM on August 9 until 10:00 PM on August 11. The regulation was prompted by the ongoing vulnerability of the road due to persistent erosion along the Teesta riverbanks.
Meanwhile, the stretch of NH10 near 29th Mile, where a massive landslide occurred early Saturday morning, has created an additional hazard. The landslide caused the collapse of the road bench, leaving commuters with no choice but to navigate a narrow strip of land precariously clinging to the hillside. Authorities have temporarily allowed one-way traffic, but the situation remains unstable, with fears of further deterioration if heavy rainfall continues in the region.
The stretch affected by the collapse of the road has been marked as highly vulnerable due to continuous erosion from the Teesta River’s right bank. Officials have warned that the stability of the road remains at significant risk, especially during the ongoing rainy season that is expected to last until September. The local population, as well as travelers between Kalimpong and Sikkim, remain anxious, as the region’s connectivity is crucial for the transport of goods and passengers.
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NHIDCL officials have been actively working on restoration efforts, but several sections of the road along the river’s right bank remain unstable, particularly where seasonal mountain streams converge with the Teesta River. These seasonal streams, formed by monsoon runoff, further intensify erosion and increase the risk of road damage. This ongoing erosion has made the area prone to landslides, which have repeatedly disrupted travel along NH10.
Earlier this year, NHIDCL had to suspend traffic on NH10 for six days to repair stretches damaged by landslides and erosion along the Teesta River. Despite these recurring issues, officials are committed to maintaining the highway’s functionality, as it serves as the critical lifeline linking Siliguri with Sikkim.
Adding to the challenges, the ongoing Sevoke-Rangpo railway project, which also serves the region, has been impacted by natural events. On August 5, heavy rainfall triggered a slope failure near Tunnel No.7 near Ravi Jhora and Teesta Bazar. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported, and there was no significant damage to machinery or structures. Precautionary measures had already been taken, including the evacuation of personnel and equipment, which allowed for immediate clearance of debris and the continuation of site protection work.
The resumption of traffic on a 30-km stretch of NH10 on Thursday evening after five days of closure was a temporary relief for residents and tourists who had been forced to take detours. The closure was initiated by NHIDCL on August 3 due to severe damage caused by landslides and erosion. While the closure was originally set to last until August 6, the repairs took longer, prompting an extension until August 8.
However, the relief was short-lived. On Friday morning, traffic came to an abrupt halt again after a fresh landslide occurred in Likhubhir, with boulders descending onto the highway. Earthmovers were deployed to clear the debris, and traffic resumed after a brief interruption. NHIDCL sources assured that the agency’s primary objective was to keep the highway open for traffic without further interruptions.
As if the road and railway disruptions were not enough, weather experts have issued alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Sikkim and North Bengal over the next few days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted continued rainfall across the region, which is likely to exacerbate the already fragile situation. Areas such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar districts are particularly at risk.
The ongoing weather conditions, coupled with the unstable terrain, have prompted authorities to keep monitoring the situation closely. The risk of further landslides, road collapses, and the safety of commuters remain the primary concerns for both local residents and travelers passing through the region.
For now, NHIDCL continues its restoration efforts, hoping to keep the crucial NH10 corridor open while addressing the growing challenges posed by the relentless monsoon rains and the unstable hillsides.
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