India News | Tamang Tells NHIDCL to Construct Double-lane Highway to Connect Sikkim with Bengal

Gangtok, Jun 30 (PTI) Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Monday told NHIDCL the need for construction of a double-lane highway to connect the Himalayan state with West Bengal's Siliguri town.

A NHIDCL delegation led by managing director Krishan Kumar called on the chief minister here and discussed about improving road connectivity and ensuring greater convenience for commuters in the region.

Also Read | Was Samruddhi Expressway Flooded After Heavy Rainfall in Maharashtra? Videos of Waterlogging on Adjoining NH-548C Ramp and Underpass Circulated With Fake Claim About Samruddhi Mahamarg, Here's a Fact Check.

The CM told the NHIDCL team that the existing Sevoke-Gangtok highway which connects Sikkim with West Bengal's Siliguri town continues to face challenges due to difficult terrain and weather conditions and urged them to find a long term reliable solution.

"Pleased to meet the delegation from NHIDCL... our discussion focused on improving road connectivity and ensuring greater convenience for commuters in the region.

Also Read | Language Row: 'Attempts To Impose Hindi Over Marathi Won't Be Tolerated', Says MNS Chief Raj Thackeray.

"We addressed the ongoing issues with the existing Sevoke–Gangtok highway, which continues to face challenges due to difficult terrain and weather conditions. I emphasized the need for a long-term, reliable solution through the construction of a standard double-lane highway to ease year-round travel, especially during the monsoon season. It was encouraging to learn that NHIDCL has already engaged a consultant and is moving forward with plans for such an upgrade," Tamang said in a Facebook post.

The Sikkim CM also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways for declaring the Melli–Singtam route as NH-210.

"This 23 km alternative highway has significantly improved connectivity and brought new economic opportunities to the region, offering a much-needed boost to local communities, he said.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)