New Delhi,27th July ;MP Lok Sabha from Sikkim, Dr. Indra Hang Subba, met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, at Parliament House today and apprised him of the urgent and recurring landslide situation at the 20th Mile Bardang stretch on National Highway-10, one of the most vulnerable sections of the highway and the lifeline connecting Sikkim with the rest of the country.
During the meeting, Dr. Subba submitted a detailed representation highlighting the repeated landslides at Bardang, which have resulted in frequent road closures, disrupted the movement of essential commodities, affected tourism and economic activities, and caused immense hardship to the people of Sikkim.
Emphasizing the need for a permanent and sustainable solution, Dr. Subba urged the Ministry to undertake a comprehensive geotechnical investigation of the landslide-prone stretch. Based on the findings of the study, he requested that the Government consider the construction of either a bypass tunnel or a cut-and-cover tunnel, whichever is found to be technically, environmentally, and economically feasible.
MP ,pointed out that despite repeated slope stabilization measures over the years, the recurring nature of landslides in the area underscores the need for a long-term engineering solution rather than temporary interventions. A tunnel-based alternative, he noted, would ensure safer, all-weather connectivity, reduce disruptions during the monsoon season, and significantly enhance the resilience of NH-10.
Dr. Subba also requested the Union Minister to involve premier geotechnical institutions and experts in the study so that the most appropriate engineering solution can be identified and implemented at the earliest.
Recognizing the strategic importance of NH-10 for the State of Sikkim, Dr. Subba appealed for the matter to be accorded priority and for necessary directions to be issued to expedite the geotechnical investigation and subsequent implementation of the recommended solution.
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