Landslides Close Key Sikkim Highway, Alternative Routes Available
Landslides Close Key Sikkim Highway, Alternative Routes Available
Siliguri , July 19 : A significant landslide and continuous rockfall at Km 11.2 (Birik Dara) have forced the closure of a crucial section of the highway, impacting travel to and from Gangtok. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) Siliguri office reported that the slide, which began yesterday at 11 AM, has been consistently delaying clearance efforts despite the deployment of adequate machinery.
As of this morning, clearance operations resumed at 5 AM, but the ongoing rock and debris fall continues to impede progress. NHIDCL officials anticipate the road could reopen to traffic within 24 hours, depending on the stability of the site.
For light vehicles traveling towards Gangtok, three alternative routes are currently available:
Siliguri-Jorbungalow-Teesta Bazaar-Rangpo-Gangtok
Siliguri-Sevoke-Damdim-Gorubathan-Lava-Alagarah-Rangpo-Gangtok: Travelers should note that slide clearance is in progress at one location along this route, and updates from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) are advised.
Siliguri-Sevoke-Bagrakote-Lava-Alagarah-Rangpo-Gangtok (NH 717A)
Commuters are advised to exercise caution and plan their journeys accordingly, taking into account the potential for further delays and to check for the latest updates on road conditions.
