MP Indra Hang Subba uges Defence Ministry to fast-track alternative highway to North Sikkim

Dr. Indra Hang Subba, Member of Parliament from Sikkim (Lok Sabha), met Minister of State for Defence Shri Sanjay Seth in New Delhi on Friday to press for the urgent construction of an alternative highway to North Sikkim. In a formal request submitted during the meeting, Dr. Subba highlighted the critical need for improved road connectivity to the remote northern region of the state.

Dr. Subba explained that the existing road from Gangtok to Zeema via Chungthang and Lachen is extremely vulnerable. Frequent landslides, unpredictable weather, and harsh terrain often lead to roadblocks, leaving many areas cut off for days. These disruptions not only hamper day-to-day life for the local people but also pose challenges to defence movement and disaster response in this sensitive border region.

“The current road is not dependable. It gets blocked often due to landslides, and that causes a lot of hardship to people living in North Sikkim,” said Dr. Subba. “This is not just a local issue; it is a national concern because of the strategic importance of the area. That is why an alternative highway is needed urgently.”

The MP informed the Minister that he had also held discussions with the Director General of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) earlier. The BRO, he said, has shown willingness to move ahead with the plan, but approval and support from the Ministry of Defence are essential for timely execution. He urged the Ministry to coordinate closely with the Sikkim state government to remove all administrative hurdles and push the project forward without delay.

Dr. Subba said that the road network in North Sikkim is not only crucial for the movement of people and goods but also vital for national security, given the region’s proximity to international borders. “During natural calamities or emergencies, access to North Sikkim becomes nearly impossible. A reliable alternative highway will ensure that people are not stranded and our security forces can operate smoothly,” he said.

The new route, if constructed, will serve multiple purposes. It will strengthen border infrastructure, help in faster movement of defence personnel and supplies, and ensure that local communities have year-round access to essential services like healthcare, education, and markets. It will also give a much-needed boost to the local economy through better tourism and trade opportunities.