Darjeeling MP Raju Bista on Saturday undertook an extensive inspection of the Sevoke–Rangpo stretch of national highway-10, describing the present state of the vital lifeline as “critical life” and raising serious concerns over its recurring vulnerability to landslides, sinking zones, and river erosion. The 52.10 km stretch, now under the charge of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), remains the only dependable road link between Siliguri, Kalimpong, Sikkim and the strategic border areas.
At Setijhora, one of the worst-hit stretches, Bista pointed out large cracks that have rendered the road unsafe for commuters. He said that slope and toe protection work must begin immediately after the Teesta’s water level recedes, while emphasising the urgency of river “desilting” to reduce erosion. Warning against reckless hill cutting, he noted, “The hillside here is a vertical slope, and further excavation is extremely dangerous. For long-term safety, this highway must be realigned and elevated.”
The MP also visited Selfie-Dara, where continuous landslides this monsoon have completely blocked the road. Massive deposits of earth and boulders have cut off smooth travel between Sevoke and Kalimpong-Gangtok. NHIDCL has deployed clearance teams, but unstable slopes and persistent heavy rainfall have slowed progress. “This is not a one-time issue; unless we prepare sustainable designs, these recurring blockages will continue to cripple the region,” Bista observed.
At Bhasua, between Sevoke Bazar and Kalijhora, he inspected NHIDCL’s ongoing widening of a 150-meter stretch, slope protection across 38 meters, and newly designed drainage systems. Officials briefed him on the construction of a base-level protection wall intended to control landslides and safeguard the road from further erosion. Bista said he has been “closely monitoring NHIDCL’s progress since they took over from the PWD” and urged the use of stronger technical expertise to ensure durable results.
Raising the issue of poor coordination, Bista convened and chaired a multi-agency meeting with NHIDCL, NHPC and IRCON to review key infrastructure projects along the Teesta, including NH-10, NHPC dams and the Sevoke-Rangpo Rail Line.
NHIDCL officials reported that emergency measures had been taken to tackle landslides, erosion and sinking zones. They said slope stabilisation using wire duct lining technology was in progress, and no further hill cutting was being undertaken at Setijhora due to its unstable condition. Fresh risk zones, however, had emerged between the 27th and 29th Mile, raising new alarm. NHIDCL has now appointed a Project Management Consultant (PMC) to work on a sustainable long-term alignment for NH-10, while a detailed project report (DPR) for an alternative Sevoke–Melli highway is under preparation.
NHPC, under public scrutiny after the devastating 2023 Teesta floods, informed the meeting that it was considering measures to strengthen riverbank protection and exploring housing support for affected families, for which land allotment from the state government has been sought.
Bista underlined that valley-side erosion, frequent landslides, and the lack of inter-agency coordination remain the biggest hurdles. He urged all stakeholders, including BRO, WB PWD and the Brahmaputra Board, to join efforts in preparing a comprehensive Teesta region plan. He also flagged the absence of basic emergency services such as ambulances, patrol vehicles, towing cranes and water tankers along NH-10. “During emergencies, these facilities can save lives. Their absence is unacceptable,” he said.
The MP assured that he would report his findings to the ministry of road transport and highways and the central government. He also pressed for the involvement of geologists, engineers and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to provide stronger technical inputs. Long-term solutions, he said, must include road realignment and elevated highway construction at critical points to ensure resilience against recurring natural disasters.
“NH-10 is not just a highway; it is the lifeline of our region. Unless sustainable measures are adopted and inter-agency coordination is ensured, this crisis will only deepen,” Bista warned, adding that reliable connectivity to Sikkim and Kalimpong was vital not only for daily commuters but also for national security.
Meanwhile, traffic on NH-10 between Coronation Bridge (km 0.0) and Chitrey (km 30.0) will remain suspended for all vehicles from 6 p.m. on August 15 to 6 p.m. on 17 August, under the Control of National Highways Act, 2002, officials said. The district administration has been asked to regulate diversions.
Authorities confirmed that the Rangpo–Ranipool section of NH-10, now under NHIDCL, is clear. Alternate routes maintained by the GREF, including the Jawaharlal Nehru Marg and the Realignment Road to Tsomgo Lake, are also open. However, parts of NH-310 (Gangtok Bypass) remain affected, with one-way traffic at Km 8+350 and complete closure at Km 16+500 near Thamidara. Other bypass stretches around Gangtok are open, though commuters have been advised to travel with caution.