Gangtok, Jun 28: The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has officially declared the 23-kilometre stretch from Melli to Singtam in Sikkim as National Highway 210 (NH-210). The decision, announced through a recent gazette notification, follows sustained efforts by Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang to improve the state’s road connectivity.

The newly notified NH-210 begins at the Teesta Bridge junction in Melli, connecting with NH-710, and passes through Mamring and Samardong before linking with NH-510 near Singtam. The entire route lies within Sikkim and runs parallel to NH-10 across the Teesta River. Development and maintenance of the highway will be handled by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).

The declaration is part of the state government’s larger infrastructure vision. In 2023, the Chief Minister’s intervention also led to the transfer of the 52.10 km Sevoke–Rangpo stretch of NH-10 from West Bengal PWD to NHIDCL, ensuring the full 84.10 km Sevoke–Gangtok corridor is now under central management.

NH-10, which has been frequently affected by landslides and the 2023 Teesta floods, is Sikkim’s primary highway. With NHIDCL overseeing its maintenance, faster restoration and long-term stability are expected.

The state government has acknowledged the key contributions of MP Indra Hang Subba and Minister for Roads and Bridges NB Dahal for their active support in realising the NH-210 project. The initiative is seen as a major step toward enhancing Sikkim’s connectivity and supporting its economic growth.