A new road alignment connecting Gangtok and Zeema, near the Indo-China border in North Sikkim, has been proposed to restore reliable connectivity after significant damage to existing roads due to natural disasters since 2023. The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) is currently reviewing the proposal for a feasibility study and the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which operates under the Ministry of Defence. To enhance climate resilience, the proposed alignment will incorporate five tunnels and one cut-and-cover tunnel.
This initiative follows appeals from Indra Hang Subba, Sikkim’s Lok Sabha MP, who wrote to MoRTH in June, emphasizing the urgent need to repair damaged roads and bridges in North Sikkim and highlighting the detrimental impact of flash floods and landslides on the tourism sector. In its response dated September 9, MoRTH acknowledged Subba’s concerns regarding the livelihoods of North Sikkim’s residents affected by these calamities.
Moreover, the ministry announced that NH-310A (Mangan–Yume Samdong border) and NH-310AG (Chungthang–Lachen–Zeema–Naku La) are being developed to double-lane specifications by the BRO, supported by GS funding from the Defence Ministry. Out of 16 project packages, DPRs for three are already sanctioned and underway, while the remaining thirteen are in preparation.
The ministry noted that these roads have faced extensive damage since 2023. To ensure a robust and uninterrupted alignment, the BRO has enlisted experts from IIT Delhi and Delhi Technical University. Based on their assessments, the new alignment from Gangtok to Zeema is set to include five tunnels and one cut-and-cover tunnel.
MoRTH has assured that the government is committed to accelerating efforts to revive tourism and establish climate-resilient infrastructure to reduce the risk of future natural disasters in the area. Indra Hang Subba welcomed the proposal, expressing gratitude toward the Union Government and relevant ministries for addressing the connectivity issues in North Sikkim. He emphasized the alignment’s potential to restore access to strategic border regions and key tourist destinations.
Subba acknowledged the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay for continually advocating for the people of North Sikkim and recognized the timely support extended by Sikkim Minister Nar Bahadur Dahal during his interactions with the Ministry and BRO headquarters. He reiterated the necessity of strong road infrastructure, not only for tourism and economic revival but also for the movement of defence forces in this strategically sensitive area. “We are hopeful that the proposed alignment will be prioritized, allowing work to commence without delay. North Sikkim is of critical national importance, and developing climate-resilient roads is essential for our armed forces, tourism stakeholders, and local communities,” he stated.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/sikkim/story/new-gangtok-zeema-road-alignment-proposed-to-ensure-uninterrupted-connectivity-in-north-sikkim-1279859-2025-09-19?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-09-19 14:18:00
