In a social media post on Wednesday evening, Gadkari said the project will upgrade the corridor into a two-lane highway, with major engineering works planned to improve safety and resilience in the challenging Himalayan terrain.
The project will include the construction of tunnels, viaducts, bridges and cut-and-cover sections, along with comprehensive slope-protection measures to address vulnerable sliding and sinking zones, he said.
Gadkari said the upgraded corridor would provide safer, faster and more resilient connectivity to Gangtok and other parts of Sikkim.
The improved highway is also expected to strengthen the movement of tourists, agricultural and horticultural produce and essential goods.
The minister highlighted its strategic importance for the movement of defence personnel and supplies, besides its contribution to Sikkim’s broader socio-economic development.
The Rangpo-Ranipool section is a crucial part of NH-10, which provides an important road link between Sikkim and the rest of the country.The difficult Himalayan terrain and recurring landslides have made strengthening and improving the corridor a major infrastructure priority, an official said.
The latest announcement comes after NHIDCL initiated procurement for development of the Rangpo-Ranipool stretch, with the tender documentation also specifying tunnels, viaducts and measures to address vulnerable sections, he added.