Centre Approves $41 Million Project to Widen Lava-Pedong Road
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Centre Approves $41 Million Project to Widen Lava-Pedong Road

The central government has approved a Rs 338 crore ($41 million) project to widen and upgrade the Lava-Pedong road, a critical alternative route when National Highway 10 (NH10) faces disruptions. The project, aimed at enhancing road connectivity to Sikkim’s capital, Gangtok, is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion and ensure smoother travel between North Bengal and Sikkim.

The road expansion will be executed by the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode. The project involves converting the existing stretch into a two-lane road with paved shoulders, with completion targeted within two and a half years.

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, for approving the project. He stated, “Alongside development projects, social and political concerns would also be resolved for the welfare of the people.”

Residents of Pedong, Lava, and nearby areas have long suffered during monsoons when NH10—the primary highway connecting Sikkim—gets blocked, forcing heavy traffic onto narrower, congested alternative routes. The newly sanctioned project aims to resolve these issues, providing improved connectivity throughout Kalimpong district and ensuring a smoother journey to Gangtok.

With the enhancement of NH-717A, both local commuters and visitors can expect better road conditions, reduced congestion, and more efficient connectivity between West Bengal and Sikkim. The initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing the region’s infrastructure challenges while promoting economic growth and social welfare.

The central government has approved a Rs 338 crore ($41 million) project to widen and upgrade the Lava-Pedong road, a critical alternative route when National Highway 10 (NH10) faces disruptions. The project, aimed at enhancing road connectivity to Sikkim’s capital, Gangtok, is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion and ensure smoother travel between North Bengal and Sikkim. The road expansion will be executed by the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode. The project involves converting the existing stretch into a two-lane road with paved shoulders, with completion targeted within two and a half years. Darjeeling MP Raju Bista expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, for approving the project. He stated, “Alongside development projects, social and political concerns would also be resolved for the welfare of the people.” Residents of Pedong, Lava, and nearby areas have long suffered during monsoons when NH10—the primary highway connecting Sikkim—gets blocked, forcing heavy traffic onto narrower, congested alternative routes. The newly sanctioned project aims to resolve these issues, providing improved connectivity throughout Kalimpong district and ensuring a smoother journey to Gangtok. With the enhancement of NH-717A, both local commuters and visitors can expect better road conditions, reduced congestion, and more efficient connectivity between West Bengal and Sikkim. The initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing the region’s infrastructure challenges while promoting economic growth and social welfare.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Bharat Forge Buys AAM India For Rs 7.46 Billion

Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) has completed the purchase of AAM India Manufacturing Private Limited in an all cash deal valued at Rs 7.46 billion. First announced on 17 October 2024, the takeover received Competition Commission of India clearance on 22 April 2025 and closed after final regulatory approvals.AAM India brings a cash reserve of Rs 1.89 billion, which BFL plans to deploy for growth initiatives and technology upgrades. The final equity consideration may be adjusted for net working capital as at 30 June 2025.The acquisition adds a long standing supplier of powe..

Next Story
Technology

QNu Labs Launches QConnect and QVerse for Quantum-Safe Security

QNu Labs, India’s pioneering quantum cybersecurity company, has announced the launch of two breakthrough platforms – QConnect and QVerse – developed to safeguard enterprises and defence agencies from next-generation cyber threats posed by quantum computing. Fully designed, built, and commercialised in India, these platforms mark a significant stride towards aligning with the National Quantum Mission and advancing global cybersecurity standards. As quantum computing advances, existing encryption systems are at risk of becoming obsolete, making sensitive data vulnerable to irreversibl..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Adani Green Surpasses 15,000 MW in Renewable Capacity

Adani Green Energy (AGEL) has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 15,000 megawatts (MW) of operational capacity, specifically reaching 15,539.9 MW. This accomplishment marks the fastest and largest capacity addition in India to date. The operational portfolio includes ~11,005.5 MW of solar, ~1,977.8 MW of wind, and ~2,556.6 MW of wind-solar hybrid capacity. AGEL is the first and only renewable energy company in India to attain this landmark achievement, primarily through greenfield projects. Speaking on the milestone, Ashish Khanna, CEO, AGEL, said: “Surpassing the 15,000 MW ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?