Tourism stakeholders in north Bengal have demanded a permanent solution for the restoration and maintenance of NH-10, deemed the lifeline of Sikkim and Kalimpong.

On Saturday, they sent a letter to the Kalimpong district administration, saying that such a solution is vital in people's interest in the wake of the administration declaring a fresh closure of the highway from April 7 to 9.

“Recurring closures of the highway for repairs are affecting the tourism industry. The administration, with the help of other agencies, should take sustainable measures to avoid frequent closure of the highway for the larger interest of the tourists, trade and regular commuters,” said Samrat Sanyal, general secretary, Himalayan Hospitality and Tourism Development Network (HHTDN).

The HHTDN is an apex body representing various stakeholders in the tourism sector. “Along with tourism, trade and commercial activities are also suffering in such intermittent closures. People are facing inconveniences and losses as they have to take detours to reach Siliguri from Kalimpong and Sikkim and vice-versa,” added Sanyal.

Sources in the administration said heavy downpour in the hills have damaged the stretches of NH-10 at Likhuveer and Rabi Jhora. “For repair and restoration, traffic will be diverted along this stretch of the highway from tomorrow (Sunday) for two days,” said a source.

Over the past one month, vehicular movement along the stretch has been closed at least five times by the administration.

“The road was restored after landslides along with rainfall. But to avoid such closures, the administration should draw up a proper road map, keeping in mind the ensuing monsoon season. Such sudden halt in movement is affecting the transport sector,” said a transporter based in Siliguri.

Because of the closure, vehicles bound for Kalimpong, Gangtok and other places of Sikkim from Siliguri have to travel an extra 70km.

“This means more time and fuel costs,” the transporter added.