New road to Nathu La to be operational next March | Kolkata News – Times of India

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[google-translator]

JALPAIGURI: From next March, tourists can reach Nathu La near the India-China border in Sikkim via a new road in Jalpaiguri’s Oodlabari in Malbazar subdivision. The road is being constructed by the National Highway & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. Once operational, this road will cut down travel time to Sikkim and give a fillip to tourism in areas that are not very popular yet.
The new alignment passes through Jalpaiguri and Kalimpong districts through Oodlabari, Bagrakote, Chunabhati, Chuikhim, Lolegaon, Lava, Algarah, Pedong and Aritar before reaching Nathu La via Gangtok, traversing around 150km.
People associated with the tourism industry in places like Chuikhim, Chunabhati, Lolegaon and Lava are excited about the prospect of more tourists once the road becomes operational.
“Of these places, only Lava gets tourists throughout the year. But that is nothing compared to Darjeeling or Gangtok. Once the road is open, connectivity will smoothen and we expect better days,” said Hom Bahadur Khawas, a homestay operator of Chuikhim.
“People will be able to travel to Gangtok and Nathu La faster and the cost will be cheaper. We expect more socio-economic development in the region,” said a senior official of Pedong.
The road will cut short the distance to Gangtok by 50km and will ensure an all-weather easy movement to the state. The existing NH-10, known as the ‘Lifeline of Sikkim’, is prone to landslides and often remains closed, especially during the monsoon.
“This road will enable smooth movement to and from Sikkim. It will also help businesses prosper in the region. Tourism will get a massive boost,” said social activist Sujit Das of Oodlabari Science and Nature.

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