Anant Jain, the District Collector-cum-Magistrate of Mangan, has announced a set of traffic regulations aimed at improving vehicular flow and facilitating essential road repair work on key routes. Enforced under Section 34(b) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, these guidelines will take effect on December 1, 2024, coinciding with the eagerly awaited reopening of the district to tourists. The initiative seeks to balance safety and convenience for residents and travellers amidst ongoing infrastructure upgrades.
The regulations will primarily affect the Mangan-Chungthang route, especially the challenging Toong Naga stretch. According to the directive, vehicles travelling from Mangan to Chungthang will be allowed access only until 10:00 AM, provided they obtain the necessary permits. From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the road will remain closed to allow the 107 RCC of the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) to carry out critical restoration work.
To manage traffic during the closure, vehicles heading from Chungthang to Mangan and Gangtok will be redirected via the Shipgyer-Sangkalang-Phidang bridge. Travellers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and secure permits from the Office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Mangan, either a day in advance or by 9:30 AM on the day of travel.
“These measures are necessary to manage traffic and ensure safety during ongoing road repairs,” said Anant Jain. Tourists are encouraged to use 4×4 vehicles or SUVs with high ground clearance to safely navigate the rugged terrain of the Toong Naga stretch.
The Superintendent of Police, Mangan, has been tasked with ensuring strict enforcement of these rules. Additionally, the Tourism Department will oversee the issuance of permits to streamline the process for travelers. Authorities assured the public that these traffic arrangements aim to support tourism while maintaining road safety.
