Sikkim: Massive Landslide Disrupts NH-10 and Lava Road, Strands Commuters in Sikkim

BIRIK DARA ( Sikkim )- A major landslide struck National Highway 10 (NH-10), the critical lifeline connecting Sikkim to West Bengal, at Birik Dara on Friday, bringing traffic to a complete standstill. The incident, reported at 11:30 AM, was exacerbated by additional debris falling by 4:30 PM, halting clearance efforts and severely impacting travel to and from Sikkim and Kalimpong.

The alternative Lava and Jorebunglow route has become a critical detour for stranded commuters, though it has led to significant delays. The landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall, has once again highlighted the vulnerability of NH-10 during the monsoon season.

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The  National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is actively working to clear the debris, but progress has been slow due to ongoing rain and unstable terrain.

Local police have urged commuters to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel, as the region remains under a high-risk alert for further landslides.

The Lava Road, often used as an alternative route during NH-10 closures, has also faced challenges. Heavy rainfall has caused minor landslides and waterlogging along this route, further complicating travel.

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Commuters report delays of up to three to four hours, with many vehicles rerouted through Lava and Jorebunglow to reach Siliguri.

The increased traffic on these narrow, winding roads has led to congestion, adding to the frustration of tourists and residents alike.

This is not the first time NH-10 has been disrupted this year. Recent reports indicate that the highway, which connects West Bengal to Sikkim, has been repeatedly hit by landslides, with incidents reported as recently as June 2025.

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The Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have flagged the region’s exceptional vulnerability to landslides, particularly during the monsoon season.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall in northern Bengal and Sikkim, warning of continued risks over the next few days.

The recurring landslides have prompted calls for long-term solutions. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has acknowledged the issue, sanctioning Rs. 394 crore in 2023-24 and Rs. 125 crore in 2024-25 for landslide mitigation projects along the Sevoke-Rangpo stretch of NH-10.

These projects aim to address the frequent blockages caused by landslides and valley-side subsidence, worsened by events like the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood in October 2023. However, with several projects still in the bidding stage, commuters continue to face disruptions.

Local authorities are working to restore connectivity, but officials estimate that clearing NH-10 could take several days, depending on weather conditions. In the meantime, travelers are advised to use alternative routes via Lava and Jorebunglow or delay their journeys. The situation underscores the urgent need for robust infrastructure improvements to ensure safe and reliable connectivity for Sikkim and its neighboring regions.