20th Mile landslide: Indra Hang urges Ministry’s immediate intervention

MP seeks geotechnical investigation, bypass tunnel or cut-and-cover tunnel as permanent solution

Expanding landslides and land instability since early this month has crippled the vehicular movement at 20^th Mile, severely disrupting road connectivity of Sikkim with rest of the country. Restoration works are continuing but the gradual expansion of the landslide is making clearing operation challenging, as per NHIDCL.

The Lok Sabha MP from Sikkim met Gadkari at the Parliament House on Monday over the 20^th Mile road stretch issue, a press release informs.

He 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, Indra Hang 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.

He 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.

The Lok Sabha MP 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, Indra Hang 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, the release mentions.

For a permanent solution, NHIDCL has prepared and submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Ministry proposing the construction of four tunnels along the Rangpo-Singtam stretch of NH-10. According to officials, the proposed tunnels will range from 60 metres to 750 metres in length and are expected to make the highway an all-weather road once approved and implemented.