MP Indra Hang Subba meets Minister N.B. Dahal to discuss key road infrastructure plans for Sikkim
A key point of discussion was the proposed diversion of National Highway 510 near the culturally revered Martam Sirijunga Cave, a site deeply significant to the Limboo community.
LOCAL
Member of Parliament Indra Hang Subba met Hon’ble Roads and Bridges Minister Nar Bahadur Dahal at his office to extend his congratulations for the Department’s ongoing initiatives and to deliberate on critical infrastructure priorities aimed at strengthening Sikkim’s connectivity.
During the meeting, MP Subba commended the Department for securing approval for the proposed alternative highway from Melli to Singtam—a long-awaited development expected to provide much-needed traffic decongestion and improve resilience in the state’s road network, particularly during landslide-prone monsoon months.
A key point of discussion was the proposed diversion of National Highway 510 near the culturally revered Martam Sirijunga Cave, a site deeply significant to the Limboo community. The MP raised concerns regarding the sanctity of the site, emphasizing the need to preserve its spiritual and cultural value. Minister Dahal, in response, assured full support and sensitivity to the matter, stating that the heritage site would remain untouched in any future plans.
The conversation further expanded to long-term developmental goals, particularly the strategic importance of upgrading existing state highways to national highways. MP Subba specifically advocated for the conversion of the Manpur–Jorethang–Legship and Nayabazar–Sombaria–Soreng–Kaluk–Dentam–Chiwabhanjyang corridors. “Transforming these vital stretches into national highways would significantly enhance accessibility, economic activity, and inter-district mobility in the southern and western regions of Sikkim,” he remarked.
Minister Dahal acknowledged the MP’s concerns and reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to equitable infrastructure growth that balances development with cultural and environmental preservation. He also noted that discussions with the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways are already underway for upgrading multiple key roads under the Bharatmala and National Highway Development Programme.