Travel between Siliguri and Gangtok could become significantly faster after the completion of major road infrastructure projects in Sikkim and neighbouring West Bengal. Sikkim Roads and Bridges Minister N.B. Dahal said the journey could eventually take around 90 minutes, compared with the current travel time of roughly four hours.
Dahal made the statement during a press conference in Gangtok on September 18. He discussed several road, bridge and highway projects aimed at strengthening connectivity across Sikkim.
The proposed reduction depends mainly on the completion of the Melli-Singtam section of NH-210 and the planned four-laning of the Sevoke-Melli stretch of NH-10.
Melli-Singtam Highway to Improve Connectivity
The Melli-Singtam project forms a major part of the proposed connectivity upgrade. The approximately 23-km greenfield road will connect Melli with Singtam and has received the designation National Highway-210 from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
The project currently remains at the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has taken up the project.
According to Dahal, the new highway will provide an alternative and more efficient route within Sikkim. Once completed, it will work together with the Sevoke-Melli four-laning project to improve the overall journey between Siliguri and Gangtok.
Sevoke-Melli Four-Laning Key to 90-Minute Journey
The second major component involves the four-laning of the Sevoke-Melli section of NH-10. The highway plays a crucial role in connecting Siliguri with Sikkim.
At present, NH-10 carries a large volume of passenger and commercial traffic between the two regions. Traffic congestion, road conditions and disruptions caused by landslides can increase travel time, particularly during difficult weather conditions.
The proposed four-laning aims to improve road capacity and movement along the corridor. Combined with the Melli-Singtam highway, the upgraded route could bring the Siliguri-Gangtok travel time down to approximately one and a half hours, according to the minister.
NH-210 Project Estimated at Over Rs 1,000 Crore
The Melli-Singtam highway represents a major infrastructure investment. NHIDCL has initiated the process for consultancy services related to the preparation of the DPR and pre-construction activities.
The proposed project cost stands at more than Rs 1,000 crore, excluding GST and land-related expenses, according to reports.
The notified highway section begins near the Melli Teesta Bridge. It will pass through areas including Melli Bazar, Mamring and Samardong before reaching Singtam.
Sikkim Also Repairs Monsoon-Damaged Roads
Dahal also outlined several other road projects during the press conference. The Sikkim government is working on the repair and reconstruction of roads damaged by heavy monsoon conditions.
Around 572 km of roads have received sanctions for reconstruction. The approved amount stands at around Rs 546 crore. The authorities plan to use Mastic Asphalt technology for these works.
According to the minister, the upgraded roads are expected to have a lifespan of seven years. The contractors will also remain responsible for maintenance during that period.
The projects aim to improve road quality across the state and reduce the impact of recurring weather-related damage.
Bridges Damaged by GLOF Events
Sikkim has also faced major challenges from glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) events in recent years. Several bridges suffered damage during such incidents, affecting connectivity in different parts of the state.
Dahal said around 10 to 12 bridges had been washed away over the past two years because of GLOF-related events.
The government has taken up permanent reconstruction work on several bridges. The Sirwani Bridge, for example, is expected to be completed within two years. Another major project involves the Nayabazar-Singla Bridge, which is being developed under an Asian Development Bank-supported project.
Adampul-Jhakri Falls Road Work Underway
The minister also discussed the road and drainage project between Adampul and Jhakri Falls. The tender process for the project has been completed.
A permanent RCC bridge has also been constructed near the hospital and adjoining areas around Jhakri Falls. The government has set March 2027 as the target for completing the road and drainage work.
These projects form part of a wider effort to strengthen Sikkim’s road network and improve connectivity between important towns and remote areas.
Focus on Better Connectivity for Sikkim
Improved connectivity has major implications for Sikkim. The state depends heavily on road transport for tourism, trade, public services and the movement of essential goods.
Faster road connections could also make travel easier for tourists arriving through Siliguri, which serves as an important gateway to Sikkim. The existing journey generally takes several hours by road, with travel times varying depending on traffic, weather and road conditions.
The proposed infrastructure upgrades could provide a more reliable connection between the plains and the hill state.
Travel Time Reduction Depends on Project Completion
Although the government has projected a 90-minute Siliguri-Gangtok journey, the target depends on the completion of multiple infrastructure projects.
The Melli-Singtam highway is still at the DPR stage, while the Sevoke-Melli four-laning project also needs to progress through construction before the projected travel time can become a reality.
Dahal’s announcement therefore outlines a future target rather than an immediate change in travel time. The completion schedule of the individual projects will determine when commuters and tourists can experience the shorter journey.
Sikkim Pushes Ahead with Infrastructure Development
The proposed reduction in Siliguri-Gangtok travel time is part of Sikkim’s broader infrastructure development plans. The state government is working with agencies including NHIDCL, the Border Roads Organisation and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on road and bridge projects.
From the Melli-Singtam highway to road repairs and permanent bridge reconstruction, these projects aim to improve the state’s transport network.
If the key projects progress as planned, the upgraded corridor could significantly change the way people travel between Siliguri and Gangtok. For now, the 90-minute target remains dependent on the successful completion of the proposed highways and related infrastructure.