In light of ongoing restoration work on National Highway 10 (NH 10), District Magistrate Kalimpong Balasubramanian T IAS has issued fresh directives under the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. These directives, effective from July 31, 2024, aim to partially lift previous restrictions, permitting the movement of small vehicles on designated sections while ensuring public safety.
Vehicle Restrictions
Starting July 31, heavy vehicles are strictly restricted on the following segments of NH 10 and State Highway 12 (SH 12)
NH 10: Heavy vehicles are banned between Chitrey and Seti Jhora, and from Rabi Jhora to Teesta Bazar.
SH 12: The road from Rabi Jhora to Teesta Bazaar, leading to Darjeeling via Pesok, will face intermittent closures due to frequent landslides and ongoing repairs. Only light motor vehicles will have access, subject to temporary restrictions.
Vehicle Movement:
Light Motor Vehicles
Allowed to travel between Chitrey and Seti Jhora via NH 10 from 6 hours to 18 hours daily.
Single-lane traffic will be maintained at Selfi Dara, Birik Dara, 27th Mile, and Liklum Veer.
Heavy Vehicles
Goods vehicles, buses, and other heavy vehicles must use the alternative route via Reshi Pedong Aigarali Lava Gorubathan to Siliguri for round-the-clock movement.
Alternative Routes and Traffic Diversions
To facilitate smoother traffic flow and reduce congestion on NH 10, the following alternative routes are recommended for small vehicles
Route 1: Small vehicles from Rangpoo to Siliguri can travel via Munsong 17 Mile Algarah Lava Gorubathan.
Route 2: Small vehicles from Kalimpong to Siliguri can use the route via Relli Samthar Panbu.
Necessary restrictions will be enforced at various checkpoints, including Rangpoo Check Post, Melli Bazaar, Chitrey, Rabi Jhora, Teesta Bazar, 29th Mile, and along the district border of NH-10. Police, in consultation with the District Magistrate, may implement temporary restrictions or diversions as needed.
These measures aim to manage traffic efficiently and ensure public safety during the ongoing road restoration efforts. The District Magistrate urges all motorists to adhere to the new directives and cooperate with traffic authorities.
