Chewabhanjyang Road Connecting Sikkim to Nepal to be Ready This Year: Minister NB Dahal

The strategic route, once operational, will bolster cross-border trade and tourism with Nepal.

Sikkim’s Roads and Bridges Minister, NB Dahal, has announced significant progress in the state’s infrastructure development, with key projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and addressing disaster-hit roadways.

During an exclusive interview with Northeast Live, Minister Dahal revealed that the Chewabhanjyang Road via Utteray in West Sikkim, connecting Sikkim to Nepal, is expected to be completed within a year. The strategic route, once operational, will bolster cross-border trade and tourism with Nepal.

In North Sikkim, where roads were severely damaged by recent Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF), Dahal stated that permanent restoration efforts could take at least two years. “Temporary routes are currently being used to maintain accessibility, but collaborative efforts with the Indian Army and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) aim to expedite the process,” he said.

Mentioning about the National Highway 10, Minister Dahal confirmed its handover from the West Bengal Public Works Department (PWD) to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). This move is expected to pave the way for a state-of-the-art express highway connecting Siliguri to Gangtok, with completion targeted within two years. Dahal said that NHIDCL’s enhanced financial authority would facilitate swift project execution.

Additionally, Sikkim will soon benefit from an alternative highway from Bagrakot in West Bengal, expected to be completed within two years, easing the traffic burden on NH10. Meanwhile, the double-lane highway project connecting Rangpo to Ranipool has been sanctioned, with work slated to begin in February 2025. However, progress hinges on revised compensation rates sought by the Government of India.

Minister Dahal assured that these initiatives will transform Sikkim’s connectivity, fostering economic growth and providing critical relief to disaster-affected regions.

Also Read: Sikkim: Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Traffic Movement on Several Routes. Check Details Here

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