The Drivers’ Council of the Citizen Action Party (Sikkim) on Thursday organised a one-day peaceful dharna outside the District Court in Gangtok, demanding urgent and proper repairs to National Highway-10 (NH-10).
The highway, considered the lifeline connecting Sikkim to the rest of the country, has been plagued by continuous disruptions, poor road quality, and severe impacts on transport and the supply of daily essentials.
Speaking to the media, Ashish Rai, President of the Drivers’ Council, said that the protest was not directed against any authority but was an appeal to the Central Government to take direct control and ensure that the road is repaired effectively and sustainably.
“It’s been 50 years since Sikkim became a state, but not even a single stretch of the national highway has remained in good condition. There is only one route connecting us to the plains, and it frequently collapses. We understand that the GLOF disaster in 2023 caused major damage, but even after so long, the road has yet to be properly restored,” Rai said.
He added that frequent highway closures have left hundreds of trucks stranded, leading to shortages of essential supplies such as rice and vegetables in the state.
“With Diwali approaching, the prices of vegetables and other essentials are already soaring because vehicles are stuck midway. NHIDCL has been working on the road for a year now, but the results are disappointing. Despite crores being spent, the repairs never last more than a few days. We just want the Centre to monitor the work directly and ensure a durable solution,” Rai stated.
The dharna also highlighted the strategic importance of NH-10, as Sikkim shares borders with China, Nepal, and Bhutan.
“If a border emergency arises, our connectivity will be the first to suffer. This highway is not just about transport—it’s about national security,” Rai emphasised.
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