Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, on Friday through a press release, urged the Minister for Road, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for overhauling of NH10 and its expansion.
The 100-years old NH 10 is the lifeline of the region, connecting Sikkim, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and Western Dooars region to rest of India via Siliguri. MP Bista stated that this vital road has “become an accident hot-spot with multiple accidents happening on a weekly basis.” He brought light to the narrow and congested road, devoid of culverts or safety barricades towards the river Teesta.
As the NH10 sits next to river Teesta, the road conditions have become worse due to multiple dams constructed on the river, gradually eroding the road embankments. Lack of proper safety-walls causes multiple erosions and landslides to occur during monsoon, cutting off Sikkim and Kalimpong completely, the statement read.
The MP also mentioned the devastating accident which occurred on January 31, killing five members of a family. The vehicle plunged into river Teesta and the dead bodies were later recovered after days of searching.
Raju Bista urged Minister Gadkari for his urgent intervention in preventing further loss of life along NH10 by ensuring:
• Expansion of NH10, and converting it into an all-weather road.
• Building guard rails and culverts on the Teesta riverside
• Stationing a rescue team comprising of rescuers and medical staff on NH10
