*New Gangtok-Zeema road alignment proposed to ensure uninterrupted connectivity*
A new alignment from Gangtok to Zeema, close to the Indo-China border in North Sikkim, has been proposed following extensive damage to the existing roads due to natural disasters since 2023.
According to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), the proposal for feasibility study and preparation of DPR for the Gangtok-Zeema alignment is under consideration of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under the Ministry of Defence. The new alignment incorporates five tunnels, and one cut-and-cover tunnel.
The MoRTH was responding to a representation submitted by Lok Sabha MP (Sikkim) Indra Hang Subba.
Indra Hang Subba had written to the MoRTH earlier this year in June highlighting the urgent need for restoration of damaged roads and bridges in North Sikkim following repeated natural calamities and for revival of tourism sector.
“The matter has been examined and your concern for the people of North Sikkim, whose livelihoods have been greatly affected by the flash floods and ensuring disruptions, is sincerely appreciated,” said the MoRTH in its reply to the Lok Sabha MP on September 9.
The Ministry shared that the NH-310A (Mangan-Yume Samdang border) and NH-310AG (Chungthang to Lachen to Zeema to Naku La) are being developed to double-lane specificiations by the BRO under the GS funding of the Defence ministry.
Presently, out of 16 packages for these roads, DPRs for three pages have been sanctioned, and works are under progress while DPRs for the remaining 13 packages are under process, the MoRTH informed.
“These roads have suffered extensive damages due natural disasters since 2023. To ensure sustainable alignment and uninterrupted connectivity, BRO has engaged eminent experts from IIT Delhi and Delhi Technical University. Based on their recommendations, a new alignment from Gangtok to Zeema in North Sikkim has been proposed, incorporating five tunnels and one cut-and-cover tunnel,” said the Ministry.
The Government is committed to expedite necessary works and revive tourism in North Sikkim through ensuring climate resilient infrastructure to mitigate future risks, said the Ministry in its reply to the Lok Sabha MP.
Indra Hang Subba, the Lok Sabha MP from Sikkim, expressed his gratitude to the Union government and the concerned Ministries for taking the road connectivity issues of North Sikkim seriously and prioritising them. He welcomed the proposal for the new Gangtok-Zeema alignment, stating that it holds promise for restoring reliable connectivity to strategic border regions and key tourism destinations in the district.
Indra Hang Subba also acknowledged the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, under whose direction he has consistently raised the concerns of the people of North Sikkim with the Union government. He also acknowledged timely interventions made By minister. Nar Bahadur Dahal during his visit to the Ministry and the BRO headquarters..’according to Ranjana Pradhan ,office ,MP Lok Sabha
He reiterated that robust and sustainable road infrastructure is essential not only for boosting tourism and economic revival but also for ensuring seamless movement for defence purposes in this sensitive border region.
“We are hopeful that the proposed alignment will be taken up for consideration at the earliest and that work on the ground can begin without delay. North Sikkim remains a region of critical national importance, and it is imperative that climate-resilient roads are developed to meet the needs of our armed forces, tourism stakeholders, and the local communities,’said the Lok Sabha MP. ( Sikkim).
