Sikkim: New Traffic Regulations Issued for Mangan-Chungthang Route

This order supersedes restrictions issued in July 2024 and aims to reduce congestion, prevent accidents, and enable smooth road maintenance.

Sikkim’s Mangan District’s Superintendent of Police has announced a new Vehicular Traffic Movement Regulation Order under the Sikkim Police Act, 2008, to address traffic congestion and facilitate uninterrupted road maintenance. The order, effective from January 2, 2025, introduces revised traffic routes between Mangan and Chungthang while closing the Toong-Naga route for all vehicles until further notice.

As per the order, light vehicles travelling in both directions must use the Phidang-Sanklang-Shipgyer-Chungthang route, with flexibility for alternate pathways. For heavy vehicles, stricter timing restrictions apply. Traffic from Phidang Bridge to Sanklang is allowed only between 1:00 AM and 1:00 PM, while downward movement from Chungthang to Sanklang is permitted from 4:00 PM to 11:30 PM.

The regulation follows the reopening of the Bailey Bridge at Sanklang, which restored connectivity between Mangan and Dzongu after the flash floods of June 2023. However, worsening conditions on the Toong-Naga route have necessitated its closure for urgent repairs before January 31, 2025.

“The Sikkim Police Act 2008”, do hereby issue the following directions for the movement of vehicles from Mangan to Chungthang & vice versa:

i. For Light Vehicles. (Both up and down Traffic)

All the light vehicles shall follow Phidang – Sanklang -Shipgyer – Chungthang or Mangan – Sankalang -Shipgyer – Chungthang & vice versa. (They can use any of the routes as per their convenience)

ii. For Heavy Vehicles,

(a) Trucks & buses are strictly restricted to ply from Phidang bridge towards Sankalang

(b) Trucks & buses to ply from Sankalang (upward) from 0100 Hrs to 1300 Hrs towards Chungthang &

(c) From Chungthang towards Sankalang (downward) from 1600 Hrs to 2330 Hrs

Law enforcement will establish barricades at Naga and Shipgyer to ensure compliance. This order supersedes restrictions issued in July 2024 and aims to reduce congestion, prevent accidents, and enable smooth road maintenance. Travelers are urged to follow these directives strictly for public safety and operational efficiency.

Also Read: VB Pathak Appointed As Sikkim’s Chief Administrator-Cum-Cabinet Secretary

COMMENTS