Sikkim Chief Minister Prem?Singh?Tamang has pressed the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to design a standard double lane highway between the state and Siliguri in West?Bengal. Meeting NHIDCL Managing Director Krishan?Kumar and his team in Gangtok, the Chief Minister highlighted persistent landslides and weather related disruptions on the existing Sevoke–Gangtok corridor.

He called for a long term, reliable solution that would keep traffic moving year round, especially during the monsoon season. NHIDCL officials said a consultant has already been appointed and preliminary planning is under way for the proposed upgrade.
Tamang also welcomed the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ recent decision to declare the 23 kilometre Melli–Singtam stretch as National Highway?210. Describing it as a “much needed boost” for local communities, he noted that the alternative route has already improved connectivity and opened fresh economic opportunities.?