New Highway Linking Melli And Singtam In Sikkim To Ease NH10 Congestion, Bypass West Bengal

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved a new Greenfield Highway project in Sikkim, which will connect Melli to Singtam bypassing NH 10 congestion, Sikkim Express reported.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari reportedly shared the information in a communication to Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Thursday (12 June).

Gadkari described the new highway as a significant step for the landlocked eastern Himalayan state.

He said the road connectivity between Singtam and Melli is a gift to Sikkim as it marks its 50th year of statehood.

According to a government communique, the highway will enable vehicles to travel from Melli to Singtam entirely within Sikkim.

Officials noted that the current route requires vehicles travelling to Gangtok via NH 10 to detour through Melli in West Bengal.

The new route is expected to reduce traffic congestion on NH10 and improve overall connectivity within the state.

A more direct, efficient, and uninterrupted route within Sikkim has the potential to enhance tourism and facilitate inter-district trade, the Sikkim Express reported.

It may also support the decentralisation of essential services and help ease the burden on heavily congested areas such as Rangpo.

Currently, vehicles travelling to Gangtok via NH10 must take a detour through Melli in West Bengal.

The highway is significant as it will enable vehicles to travel from Melli to Singtam entirely within Sikkim, eliminating the need to pass through West Bengal.

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