NH10 closure likely to hit Kalimpong travel next week
Times of India | 3 May 2025
123 Darjeeling: Tourists headed to Kalimpong this summer may need to brace for higher travel fares and longer journeys as NH10 — the key highway linking Sikkim with Bengal — is set to remain closed intermittently for six days, from May 9-11 and from May 13-15.
The closure is due to road widening work being carried out by National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited. Restrictions have also been imposed on the movement of all heavy goods vehicles during the intermittent hours of opening of the NH10 section, said officials.
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Kalimpong DM Balasubramanian T advised travellers to opt for alternative routes to avoid congestion. "It's a staggered closure, but for safety and convenience of the public we recommend using alternative routes. Smaller vehicles can use the Panbu route, while mini buses can take NH717A via Gorubathan to reach Siliguri," said Balasubramanian.
However, these detours come at a cost, both in terms of time and money. Private taxi operators said the Panbu route adds approximately one hour to the journey, while the Gorubathan route could increase travel time by nearly two hours. The normal travel time from Siliguri to Kalimpong via NH10 is around 2 hours.
Darjeeling: Tourists headed to Kalimpong this summer may need to brace for higher travel fares and longer journeys as NH10 — the key highway linking Sikkim with Bengal — is set to remain closed intermittently for six days, from May 9-11 and from May 13-15.
The closure is due to road widening work being carried out by National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited. Restrictions have also been imposed on the movement of all heavy goods vehicles during the intermittent hours of opening of the NH10 section, said officials.
Kalimpong DM Balasubramanian T advised travellers to opt for alternative routes to avoid congestion. "It's a staggered closure, but for safety and convenience of the public we recommend using alternative routes. Smaller vehicles can use the Panbu route, while mini buses can take NH717A via Gorubathan to reach Siliguri," said Balasubramanian.
However, these detours come at a cost, both in terms of time and money. Private taxi operators said the Panbu route adds approximately one hour to the journey, while the Gorubathan route could increase travel time by nearly two hours. The normal travel time from Siliguri to Kalimpong via NH10 is around 2 hours.