Political bigwigs meet for an alternative highway in Sikkim

Sikkim wants an alternative highway through Nepal or Bhutan as a solution for the present political disturbances in West Bengal that has frequently blocked the present NH, 31A linked to Sikkim.
Regarding the present situation, the state CM Mr. Pawan Chamling met Mr. Brahm Dutt, union secretary for ministry of surface transport at his residence in Gangtok yesterday. The CM stressed that, Sikkim being a landlocked state faces lot of problem during political upheavels in the neighbouring state and also frequent landslides during monsoons block the NH 31A causing huge inconvenience to the people of Sikkim. “Road connectivity is essential for promoting tourism in the state as Sikkim does not have an Airfield as of now and hence supply of essential commodities gets affected due to its frequent closure” said Mr. Chamling. “Sikkim is a progressive state and the need for an independent alternative highway is a necessity for us," he added.
Mr. Chamling also suggested for a possibility of an alternative highway through either Nepal or Bhutan. Meanwhile Mr Dutt said, our team of officials will definitely find a solution to the highway problem and will soon look into the proposal. He also suggested a team to be set up comprising of officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) and Border Road Organisation (BRO) and officials from the ministry of surface transport, to work out the modalities for the new alignment of an alternative highway from eastern Sikkim via Bhutan.
Union secretary would discuss the issue with the chief secretary Mr ND Chingapa and finalise the new alternative highway later. Mr Dutta accompanied by Mr Kamlesh Kumar, chief engineer; ministry of surface transport, discussed important issues pertaining to the construction of an alternative highway for the state of Sikkim.
Other various officials from state government were also present for the meeting yesterday.

Courtesy: The Statesman

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