Sikkim: Traffic diversion announced on NH-717A for roadwork in Pakyong district

The Superintendent of Police, Pakyong District, has issued an order regulating and diverting traffic movement along NH-717A (Pakyong-Ranipool Road) due to ongoing heavy cutting work near Andheri, Lower Samsing. The construction work, being carried out by M/s Bhavya Construction, requires road closure at certain hours to ensure the smooth execution of the project. The earlier order issued on March 25, 2025, had restricted vehicular movement along the affected stretch from Aho Phatak to Andheri Phatak, but a corrigendum has now been issued to correct an error in the date.

As per the revised traffic regulation, the road will remain open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, while it will be closed from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM each day from March 25 to April 1, 2025. Authorities have requested commuters to take note of these changes and plan their travel accordingly to avoid inconvenience.

To ensure safety during the execution of work, the order mandates the deployment of two safety personnel wearing helmets, jackets, and carrying red flags and whistles at both ends of the closed section to regulate vehicle movement. Proper signboards displaying road closure and reopening times must also be placed on both sides of the affected stretch. Additionally, the road closure information must be published in electronic and print media, including local and national newspapers, to ensure wider public awareness.

The order further states that engineers must be present at the site with extra manpower and earth-moving equipment to clear any debris that may obstruct the road. For nighttime operations, sufficient floodlights must be installed to maintain visibility. A designated site supervisor is required to be present at all times to oversee safety measures and ensure smooth progress.