The National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) Siliguri, has issued an official traffic advisory announcing temporary restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles along National Highway 10 (NH-10). The restrictions come in preparation for the upcoming “Sikkim @ SilkRouteDrive”, a major event expected to draw significant vehicular movement and tourist participation.
According to the office order, signed by Shivam Singh, Deputy General Manager (P), PMU-Siliguri, the flow of heavy vehicles will be halted between Sevoke (Km 0.00) and Rangpo (Km 52.71) on two specific time windows:
December 12, 2025 — from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
December 15, 2025 — from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
These restrictions have been imposed under the provisions of Section 33 of the Control of National Highway (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002, following directions from the Highway Administrator of NH-10. The move is aimed at ensuring smooth and safe passage of vehicles participating in the Silk Route Drive event, which will traverse key stretches of the highway.
The NHIDCL order also instructs the district administration to make necessary traffic arrangements to manage the expected surge in vehicle movement. Traffic authorities have been urged to deploy additional personnel at sensitive and vulnerable points along the highway to maintain order and prevent congestion.
To ensure coordinated action, the circular has been forwarded to multiple departments and agencies, including:
Executive Directors of NHIDCL RO Siliguri and RO Gangtok
The Border Roads Organization (BRO)
IRCON and NHPC officials
Superintendent Engineers of the West Bengal PWD
District Magistrates of Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Namchi, and Pakyong
Police Commissioners and Superintendents from Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Sikkim districts
Divisional Forest Officer, Darjeeling Division
RTOs and Traffic Inspectors of concerned districts
Officer-in-Charge, NH-10 Highway (Darjeeling/Kalimpong)
The advisory emphasizes the need for proactive coordination among all law enforcement and administrative agencies to ensure public safety and seamless traffic flow during the restricted hours.
The “Sikkim @ SilkRouteDrive” is expected to attract participation from various regions, leading to increased traffic on NH-10, which serves as the lifeline between Siliguri and Sikkim. Restricting heavy vehicles during peak movement hours is intended to minimize congestion and avoid disruptions along the mountainous terrain, where traffic bottlenecks can escalate quickly.
Authorities have urged transporters, truck drivers, and the general public to take note of the restrictions and plan their movements accordingly. The order will remain in effect until further instructions are issued.
