The downpour in the sub-Himalayan Bengal over the past few days has badly affected a stretch of NH10, the principal highway that connects Sikkim and Kalimpong with rest of the country, prompting the district administration to stop traffic there on Sunday.

Kalimpong district magistrate on Sunday ordered vehicular movement to stay closed on the stretch between Rabi Jhora and Likhu Veer. Vehicles bound for Kalimpong and Sikkim from Siliguri and vice-versa will have to take alternative routes.

“Stretch at Rabi Jhora and Likhu Veer along NH10 have been damaged due to recent heavy rainfall, order of temporary restriction/diversion of movement of vehicles along NH10, with a view of repairing the damaged areas along NH10 and to ensure the safety and security of general public needs to be imposed,” reads the order issued by Balasubramanian T., the DM.

It also stated that from Sunday, all vehicles would be diverted from Rabi Jhora to 29th Mile till further orders.

On Thursday, movement along the highway was halted because boulders had started slipping on the road at Likhu Veer located between Sevoke and Teesta Bazar. As weather improved, movement of vehicles in a single flank was allowed on Friday.

However, from Saturday evening, as boulders and debris started descending on the highway again, traffic movement was stopped and on Sunday the administration passed the order banning vehicles.