BJP’s DR Thapa pushes for better roads, proposes ring road to ease Gangtok traffic

BJP Sikkim State President, DR Thapa on July 4 met Ashok Kumar Saha, Executive Director of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), at the corporation’s regional office in Gangtok. The meeting was aimed at reviewing the ongoing NHIDCL infrastructure projects across the state and discussing pressing road issues, especially during the monsoon season.

Thapa raised concerns over the condition of national highways in Sikkim, particularly in the rainy months, and requested NHIDCL to take urgent steps to ensure smoother travel for commuters. He stressed that potholes, landslides, and roadblocks cause major problems during monsoon and must be addressed with quicker responses and regular maintenance. He urged the NHIDCL to plan ahead and act in a timely manner to avoid inconvenience to daily travelers, tourists, and transporters.

The discussion also touched on a long-term vision for traffic management in Gangtok. Thapa followed up on his earlier interaction with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture, where he had submitted a memorandum to Shri Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, Member of Parliament from Karnataka. In that proposal, Thapa advocated for the construction of a Ring Road around Gangtok city. This, he said, would help reduce future traffic congestion in the state capital and allow for better vehicle flow, especially as the city expands and tourist inflow increases.

During the meeting with Saha, the BJP leader revisited the proposal and discussed the feasibility of such a Ring Road project, including its possible alignment, challenges, and how it could be integrated with the state’s broader development plans. He stressed that the Ring Road would not only reduce the current traffic burden but would also support long-term urban mobility and safety for both residents and tourists.

Another major point raised by Thapa was the importance of creating strong, sustainable, and disaster-resilient infrastructure, especially with the state’s dependence on tourism. He underlined that poor roads not only hamper connectivity but also affect the state’s economy and image as a tourist-friendly destination. Therefore, he urged NHIDCL to fast-track pending works, maintain quality standards, and remain sensitive to local needs.

Thapa reiterated BJP Sikkim’s commitment to working in close coordination with central agencies like NHIDCL. He said that the party is focused on pushing forward critical infrastructure projects while also ensuring that people’s everyday problems are heard and resolved.

The meeting was seen as part of BJP’s larger effort to play an active role in infrastructure planning and execution in Sikkim. By taking up issues like road safety, congestion, and tourism-related infrastructure, the party leadership hopes to address key developmental challenges and deliver on its promise of better connectivity and quality of life for the people of Sikkim.