Rain triggers multiple landslides, road closure on NH-10
Times of India | 30 July 2025
12 Darjeeling: Heavy rain over 24 hours triggered multiple landslides along NH-10 on Monday and Tuesday, causing the Teesta river to swell and prompting authorities to temporarily divert traffic towards Kalimpong and Sikkim. No casualties were reported and traffic movement along the Darjeeling–Kalimpong stretch of NH-10 resumed on Tuesday evening.
The relentless downpour led to mudslides in Ghante Golai 10th Mile and Tarkhola, while rising water levels of the Teesta disrupted traffic near Teesta Bazar and Ravi Jhora.
Over 24 hours, Darjeeling recorded 32.4mm of rain, Siliguri 23mm, Kurseong 16.2mm, and Mirik 15.2mm. The Mahananda river's water level rose to 112.9m, slightly below the danger mark of 115.98m. The Teesta was flowing at 146.5m, just below its danger level of 150m, according to irrigation and waterways department officials.
A National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) official confirmed that single-lane traffic was restored in landslide-affected areas. "Muck was cleared at Teesta More and single-lane traffic resumed at Tarkhola. Earthmovers were deployed to aid the ongoing restoration. If there are no further landslides or rainfall, we expect full restoration by Wednesday. As of now, traffic along NH-10 and the Darjeeling–Kalimpong route is operational," said NHIDCL general manager Rahul Kumar Gupta.
The temporary diversion on NH-10 caused major inconvenience for travellers to Sikkim and Kalimpong.
Manisha M Tamang, a resident of Kalimpong, said: "I arrived from Delhi on a morning flight and only found out about the road closure after landing. There were no vehicles available from Bagdogra, so I had to go all the way to Panitanki More to find a taxi to Kalimpong. The taxi charged me Rs 400 — double the usual fare.
"Sunil Shankar, who was heading to Sikkim, said he cancelled his trip due to road closure and extra fare.