Tourism body warns of economic crisis over crumbling NH-10, NH-717A

The Himalayan Hospitality & Tourism Development Network (HHTDN), a body representing tourism, transport, and hospitality stakeholders in the region, has sounded an urgent alarm over the worsening state of national highway 10 (NH-10) and national highway 717A (NH-717A), calling the situation a “national priority” and warning of severe economic fallout if immediate action is not taken.

In a letter to Dr Krishna Kumar, managing director of the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), HHTDN general secretary Samrat Sanyal detailed the distress caused by recurring landslides, poor maintenance, and delays in infrastructure upgrades along these critical lifelines to Kalimpong, Sikkim, and other Hill destinations.

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Sanyal said the crisis has resulted in frequent blockades, travel uncertainty, soaring transport costs, and a sharp drop in tourist arrivals—triggering cancellations, declining footfall, and financial instability for tour operators, hoteliers, transporters, homestay owners, artisans, and guides. NH-717A, despite being just a year old, has already suffered serious damages.

The letter warned of a “long-term reputational loss” for the region, erosion of confidence among domestic and international operators, and the risk of social unrest as economic opportunities shrink and youth migrate for work.

The HHTDN has demanded urgent repair and restoration of landslide-prone stretches, climate-resilient infrastructure planning, a dedicated review committee to monitor conditions, and direct involvement of local tourism stakeholders in decision-making.

“With the tourism season starting early this year, persistent road issues could inflict unbearable losses,” the letter stated. “NH-10 and NH-717A are more than roads—they are economic lifelines. Their neglect is pushing the region towards economic marginalisation.”