KOLKATA: Heavy landslides have stopped all kinds of vehicular movement on the National Highway 10, the main road connecting Siliguri with Sikkim and Kalimpong on Saturday. Since Friday, incessant heavy rains have been lashing the hills and plains of north Bengal.
On Saturday morning, a portion of the National Highway 10 near Tarkhola, adjacent to Teesta Bazar, collapsed and submerged in the Teesta River. Since National Highway 10 was blocked, Sikkim was relying on National Highway 717A for the movement of goods vehicles. But that alternative route was also closed in the afternoon.
A landslide occurred on the National Highway 717A at Rishikhola in Kalimpong district in north Bengal on Saturday afternoon. Traffic movement was immediately stopped on the road which also connects Siliguri with Sikkim. However, several roads to Sikkim via Kalimpong are still open.
Meanwhile, the closure of National Highway 10, which is also called the ‘lifeline’ of Sikkim, has resulted in hardship for the people. This road is very important not only for the locals, but also for tourists and the army. It is apprehended that the national highway will remain closed for a few days.