Decks have been cleared to build an alternative road to Sikkim linking the state with the rest of the country as the existing NH-10 is factually out of bounds for vehicles during the monsoon due to landslides. The 250-km new road that originates from NH31C near Bagrakote and ends at Gangtok is strategically important, especially in the wake of the Indian army's standoff with Chinese military at Doklam near the Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction. The National Highway & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has been tasked to construction the highway and construction work is set to start shortly. The recent standoff between the Indian and the Chinese armies at Doklam has again proved how strategically important Sikkim is for India and hence, an alternative highway along the hilly terrains is essential for security purposes. The alternative highway has been a longstanding demand of Sikkim residents said an insider, adding that the project was approved by the Centre in 2015. NH10 starts from Sevoke near Siliguri and ends in Gangtok via Melli and Rangpo. The NHIDCL has already obtained score of the clearances and engaged contractors and consultants to start the work on the Bengal side. The new highway will pass through Algarah and Lava to reach Rishi (on the Bengal-Sikkim border) from where it would connect Rhenock, Rorathang, Pakyong and Ranipool before terminating in Gangtok, said official sources.
