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Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta has reviewed a series of highway and road infrastructure projects across Sikkim, directing officials to accelerate ongoing works and advance upcoming schemes. The review covered national highway upgrades, bypass projects, strategic border roads and connectivity improvements aimed at easing congestion and strengthening links across the Himalayan state. Among the projects assessed were the INR 595 crore Rhenock–Rongli road project and the INR 1,018 crore upgrade of a section of NH-10. The Centre also reviewed progress on the Gangtok Bypass and other strategic corridors, with a focus on timely execution, road safety and improved connectivity to remote and border areas. The exercise forms part of the government’s broader effort to enhance transport infrastructure, tourism access and economic activity in Sikkim.
Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta reviewed major road and highway infrastructure projects in Sikkim during a visit in the past week, directing officials to expedite ongoing works and fast-track proposed schemes aimed at strengthening connectivity across the state. The review covered projects being implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the state government.
During the visit, Tamta travelled along NH-10 and NH-510 and inspected development activities in Gyalshing district. In addition to reviewing infrastructure projects such as an Ayush Hospital and a Krishi Vigyan Kendra, he assessed the progress of central government schemes and road development initiatives across the state.
A key focus of the review was the status of several highway projects planned for Sikkim. These included the 15.30-km Rhenock–Rongli road project, which has received in-principle approval at an estimated cost of INR 595 crore, and the upgradation of a 25.75-km stretch of NH-10 involving an investment of around INR 1,018 crore. Proposed bypasses and realignment works between Rangpo–Rorathang and Melli–Singtam were also examined, with the projects intended to reduce congestion and improve traffic movement on critical corridors.
Tamta separately reviewed progress on the Gangtok Bypass project and instructed officials to ensure its completion by November 2026. During inspections of the Gangtok–Sherathang–Nathu La route on NH-310, he also called for additional lay-bys for tourist vehicles and enhanced landslide mitigation measures along vulnerable stretches.
According to details reviewed during the visit, NHIDCL has completed six highway projects covering 58 km in Sikkim at a cost of approximately INR 1,323 crore. A further seven projects spanning 147 km and involving investments of around INR 3,749 crore are currently under implementation. The Ministry’s Road and National Highways Wing has additionally completed 117 km of road projects worth INR 1,202 crore, while another 50 km remains under construction and 58 km of new road projects are in the pipeline.
The review meeting in Gangtok was attended by Roads and Bridges Minister N.B. Dahal, Public Works Department Secretary A.B. Subba, NHIDCL Executive Director (Projects) Ashok Kumar Saha, BRO representatives and other senior officials. Discussions centred on improving project execution, maintaining connectivity and ensuring that strategic road infrastructure keeps pace with the state’s development requirements.
The minister reiterated the Centre’s commitment to strengthening Sikkim’s transport network, stating that improved road infrastructure would support tourism, trade, mobility and access to remote areas while reinforcing connectivity with the national highway system.
Source - PTI
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