Centre Clears Rs 993 Crore Upgrade for Sikkim Highway

Gangtok: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari greenlit a Rs 993.64 crore project on October 7. The plan upgrades the Rangpo to Ranipool section of National Highway 10 in Sikkim. Construction teams will widen the route into a two-lane highway complete with paved shoulders. Road work starts now.

The project targets the safety of this Himalayan corridor. Workers will build tunnels, viaducts, and bridges to bypass rough ground. They will also treat segments prone to sinking and landslides. Slope-protection measures are built into the design. Gadkari noted: "The project will include the construction of tunnels and viaducts, along with treatment of vulnerable stretches prone to landslides and sinking, to improve the safety and resilience of the highway."

This road serves as a primary link between Sikkim and the rest of India. The National Highways Authority of India manages the development. Better roads help move defense personnel and vital supplies. Farmers stand to gain as well. The upgrade promises faster trips to Gangtok while boosting the local agriculture, horticulture, and tourism sectors. This work aims to stabilize a fragile region and support long-term economic growth in the mountains.