There is no better and shorter route than NH10. As For the rural connectivities, there are plenty of government schemes like PMGSY, RIDF etc through which our places can be connected to the mainland. But as for the National Security, National Interest, Inter- state connectivities are concerned, NH 10 is the shortest and the best route so far. If you come down to Malli from South Sikkim & West Sikkim bordering Nepal, it’ll take around 2 hours straight drive to reach Silgadi. If you come down to Singtam from Gangtok & North Sikkim bordering Tibet region of China, it’ll take around 2.5 hours straight drive to reach silgadi. In the same manner, after reaching Chitray from Kalimpong town, just 1.5 hours straight drive to reach Silgadi. Therefore , NH 10 is the life line of all the adjoining places of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim state. If people are demanding for alternative routes, they should also give the idea as to which alternative route shall serve better than NH10. As for the alternative route of NH 10, the Government of India is already making NH 717A. Now, how many alternative routes do people want ? We should demand the restoration of NH 10 in one voice rather than talking about alternatives. If railway tunnels and dams can be constructed, why can NH 10 not be restored ?
