Sikkim is set to experience significant improvements in its road infrastructure, thanks to ambitious initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity. Roads and Bridges Minister, NB Dahal, has outlined several ongoing and upcoming projects that promise to enhance travel and trade links with neighboring Nepal and West Bengal. Chewabhanjyang Road: Gateway To Nepal A major development on the horizon is the Chewabhanjyang Road, which will directly connect Sikkim with Nepal through Utteray in West Sikkim. Minister Dahal confirmed that the road, a crucial route for tourism and cross-border trade, is expected to […]
Sikkim Road Network Expansion To Boost Trade
Sikkim is set to experience significant improvements in its road infrastructure, thanks to ambitious initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity. Roads and Bridges Minister, NB Dahal, has outlined several ongoing and upcoming projects that promise to enhance travel and trade links with neighboring Nepal and West Bengal.
A major development on the horizon is the Chewabhanjyang Road, which will directly connect Sikkim with Nepal through Utteray in West Sikkim. Minister Dahal confirmed that the road, a crucial route for tourism and cross-border trade, is expected to be completed within a year. This will provide a smoother, more efficient way for visitors and goods to move between the two regions.
In North Sikkim, roads have been severely impacted by recent Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF). Minister Dahal stated that permanent restoration efforts would take at least two years to complete. The region’s infrastructure is being rebuilt to withstand future natural disasters, ensuring better road safety and connectivity for local communities.
In a significant move to improve road infrastructure, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has taken over the management of National Highway 10 from the West Bengal Public Works Department. This transfer marks a step forward in improving road quality and ensuring that major highways meet modern standards.
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A state-of-the-art expressway connecting Siliguri and Gangtok is slated for completion within two years. The project, now under NHIDCL’s supervision, is expected to be completed swiftly due to the corporation’s enhanced financial authority. This new highway will reduce travel time significantly, improving accessibility between Sikkim and the rest of India.
Another important development is the construction of an alternate route starting from Bagrakot in West Bengal. This project aims to ease traffic congestion on National Highway 10. Once completed, it will provide an additional route for vehicles, helping to manage the growing traffic load on the main highway and ensuring smoother transportation.
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One of the most anticipated projects is the double-lane highway connecting Rangpo with Ranipool. Construction is expected to begin in February 2025. However, the project’s progress hinges on finalizing pay rate adjustments required by the Indian government. Once completed, this highway will significantly improve the road network in East Sikkim, enhancing travel efficiency and connectivity within the state.
Sikkim’s road infrastructure is on the brink of a major transformation. With key projects such as the Chewabhanjyang Road, the Siliguri-Gangtok expressway, and the Rangpo-Ranipool highway in the pipeline, Sikkim is set to become more connected than ever before. These advancements will not only bolster tourism and trade. It will also improve the quality of life for residents, driving economic growth and regional development.
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