According to a report by Sangbad Pratidin – Bengal, the 26 km section will be developed under the supervision of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL). The work will be undertaken through an engineering, procurement and construction contract, with a completion period of 4,745 days, or nearly 12 years.
The scheme includes widening and improving the existing road into a two-lane highway with paved shoulders. Multiple tunnels and viaducts, or elevated bridge sections, are expected to be built along the route. The design will also address stretches identified as vulnerable to landslides and sinking, allowing the road to avoid or cross terrain where conventional construction is more exposed to instability.
The tender notice for the Rangpo-Ranipool section was published on September 30. Tender documents are scheduled to be received between November 6 and November 16, while bids are due to be opened at 4 pm on November 17. The tender has been issued for the Rs. 7.07 bn project.
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista described NH 10 as a critical link for Sikkim, Kalimpong and the wider northeastern region, including its economy and border security. He said monsoon landslides had repeatedly damaged the highway, disrupting tourism, daily travel and goods movement. The route is the principal road connection from the Siliguri region towards Sikkim, so closures can delay supplies, restrict residents’ access and interrupt commercial activity. Until construction is completed, traffic will remain dependent on the existing route and the management of landslide-prone and sinking sections.