Landslides, erosion cripple NH-10 amid heavy rains

Sikkim-Siliguri connectivity severely affected; thousands, including tourists, left stranded

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Heavy rainfall over the past 48 hours has wreaked havoc on National Highway 10 (NH-10), the lifeline connecting Siliguri with Sikkim via Kalimpong. Landslides at multiple points, cracks on roads, and riverbank erosion, particularly along the Teesta, have severely disrupted traffic and left thousands of commuters, including tourists, stranded or facing extreme delays.

The stretch between 29th Mile and Gelkhola remains highly vulnerable. Although NH-10 is technically open, vehicle movement is minimal and risky due to continued slippages and instability. Authorities have issued advisories restricting the movement of heavy vehicles along key stretches of NH-10 and adjoining hill roads.

Key trouble spots and current road status (according to updates from Kalimpong SP Srihari Pandey and OC Rangpo):

~ Sethijhora (NH-10): Road cracks and erosion reported. Blocked for heavy vehicles; extremely risky for light vehicles.

~ Kataray (Lava Road): Landslide has blocked the route; heavy vehicles barred from moving.

~ Rangpo-Siliguri (via Munsong-Lava-Gorubathan): Blocked at Kataray.