CAP Sikkim demands permanent restoration of NH10

Friday, Oct 17, 2025 10:30 [IST]

Last Update: Friday, Oct 17, 2025 04:52 [IST]

CAP Sikkim demands permanent restoration of NH10

GANGTOK, : The Citizen Action Party (CAP) Sikkim and its frontal organisation All Sikkim Drivers Welfare Council, held a day-long peaceful dharna on Thursday near the Gangtok District Administrative Centre (DAC) here. The protest demanded urgent and permanent restoration of NH10, Sikkim’s only major road link to the rest of the country.

Speaking to the media, CAP general secretary (organisation) Prakash Parajuli said NH10 is the "lifeline of Sikkim" and its poor condition since the 2023 GLOF disaster has had severe consequences for the state’s economy and daily life.

“Sikkim is a border-sensitive State, and we are heavily dependent on NH-10 for all essential supplies, from vegetables and groceries to medicines. It is not just a highway; it is our State’s backbone,” Parajuli said.

He pointed out that frequent landslides and road closures have disrupted movement, impacting tourism, trade, and emergency services. “Sikkim has a tourism-based economy. When NH10 shuts down, everything from homestays and hotels to taxis and travel agencies suffer,” he added.

Parajuli also questioned the lack of priority given to restoring NH-10 despite Sikkim being a strategically important border State. “It is our right to have an all-weather highway. We are not protesting against any political party or government. This is an appeal to the Central government on behalf of the people of Sikkim.”

CAP has launched a mass signature campaign across the State from October 16. The collected signatures will be submitted with a memorandum to the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and the Ministry of Defence, demanding urgent restoration of NH10 and proper all-weather infrastructure.

Parajuli also raised concerns about the performance of NHIDCL, the agency responsible for the highway’s upkeep. “We had high hopes, but the progress so far is disappointing. We urge the agency to take proactive steps to make NH-10 safe and operational year-round,” he said.

The dharna was also addressed by the presidents of the All Sikkim Drivers Council and CAP Gangtok district, and saw participation from several CAP-affiliated organisations and supporters.


Sikkim at a Glance

  • Area: 7096 Sq Kms
  • Capital: Gangtok
  • Altitude: 5,840 ft
  • Population: 6.10 Lakhs
  • Topography: Hilly terrain elevation from 600 to over 28,509 ft above sea level
  • Climate:
  • Summer: Min- 13°C - Max 21°C
  • Winter: Min- 0.48°C - Max 13°C
  • Rainfall: 325 cms per annum
  • Language Spoken: Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, Tibetan, English, Hindi