National Highway 10, the crucial link between Sikkim, Kalimpong, and the plains, was finally reopened on Sunday evening after remaining closed for nearly three days due to a landslide.
The road was blocked on the afternoon of July 18 following a major landslide at Birik Dara, which left hundreds of vehicles stranded. Although the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) began clearing operations immediately, the work was hampered by recurring landslides, fresh debris, and falling boulders that delayed full restoration of the route.
NHIDCL deployed around six JCB machines to remove the debris and ensure the safe reopening of the highway.
Sources reported that over 500 vehicles, mostly trucks and pickup vans, were stuck at the affected site during the closure. Finally, at around 5:15 PM on Sunday, traffic movement resumed after a single lane was cleared at Birik Dara.
During the disruption, many vehicles used alternate routes via Lava, Panbu, and Peshok to reach Siliguri, ensuring limited connectivity until the main highway was accessible again.
