Gangtok: The convoy for the “Sikkim – The Silk Route Drive,” themed around reviving the historic trade route, arrived in Sikkim today with 17 high-performance supercars, officially marking the start of the three-day event.
The vehicles were ceremonially flagged off at the Atal Setu Bridge in Rangpo by Additional Chief Secretary C.S. Rao, Secretary of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department.
The Super Car Rally, a self-funded and self-driven initiative, is being organised in partnership with the Government of Sikkim and the Black Cat Division under the Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army. The event is being led by the Mumbai-based Super Car Route Group.
Over the next three days, the convoy will travel through key locations across the state, aiming to position Sikkim as one of India’s most scenic and premium destinations for elite motoring. The route promises a blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty for participating enthusiasts.
Tshering Wangchuk Lepcha, Additional Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, addressed concerns previously raised about the condition of national highways, including NH-10.
He said the smooth arrival of low-ground-clearance supercars demonstrated that coordinated efforts had improved the roads significantly. “Within one month, through proper coordination, we were able to pull this off. All these cars, with only four to six inches of ground clearance, travelled from Siliguri. That itself shows the route is in good condition,” he said.
Lepcha added that this was only the beginning of their welcome to the Super Car Route Group. “This initiative of the Shakti Corps Division is being run and managed by them. Tomorrow, they will head towards two new passes,” he said. He described the drive as an “interactive and inspirational initiative for the youth in the days ahead.”
Highlighting the natural splendour of Sikkim, Lepcha said the state ranked among the world’s most beautiful destinations. “People travel to New Zealand, Australia, or Italy for these kinds of views. Even within India, many supercar and biking enthusiasts go abroad, but we have all of this right here,” he said.
He noted that a two-hour drive from Gangtok towards Nathula and Zuluk offered world-class vistas. Promoting luxury tourism, he added, would bring significant benefits to the state.
He also pointed out the strategic importance of routes like the Dhung Bhoomi Darshan track and key passes such as Dhokla Pass. “This round of Bhoomi Darshan will further boost luxury tourism, and everyone will benefit,” he said.
Paraj Rajda, a member of the Super Car Route Group, said they were confident that the Silk Route Drive would be a major success and help attract more visitors to the state. He described the group’s welcome as “warmer than expected” and praised the weather, arrangements, and Army escort. “Apart from a few small patches, the roads are in very good condition, and anyone can do this drive,” he said.
Rajda added that the cars were transported on trailers up to Siliguri before beginning the drive. He expressed admiration for the Army’s effort and the state government’s support, saying, “They have truly laid out a red carpet for us.”
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