Raju Bista reviews NH-10 repair work

GANGTOK, : Darjeeling MP Raju Bista on Friday reviewed the ongoing repair and reconstruction work on National Highway-10. Accompanied by officials from National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the MP inspected the progress being made along the landslide-prone stretch.

MP Bista, in a media statement issued on Saturday, expressed satisfaction over the quality and pace of work being undertaken. “The ongoing works reflect NHIDCL’s professional capability in addressing the highway’s structural vulnerabilities and ensuring safer, more reliable connectivity for the region,” he said.

Highlighting the strategic and economic importance of NH-10, Bista reiterated his long-standing advocacy for its comprehensive upgrade. He described the highway as the lifeline of Kalimpong and Sikkim and emphasized its role in national security due to its proximity to the Indo-China border.

“In 2024, I had termed the transfer of the Sevoke-Rangpo stretch to NHIDCL as a landmark moment. Their involvement is key to ensuring timely repairs and long-term expansion of this vital highway,” he added. The highway’s development, he said, is essential for improving regional connectivity, enhancing trade, promoting tourism, and securing livelihoods in the hill districts.

MP Bista also extended his gratitude to the Central government for its continued support. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Central government, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari ji for their unwavering commitment to developing NH-10. This will not only strengthen Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Dooars and Sikkim's link to the rest of India, but will also boost tourism and trade, foster economic growth and enhance national security along the Indo-China border,” Bista added.