By Yowan Mothay
Kalimpong, Sept. 27: The road network in Kalimpong district suffered a major disruption on Friday with three roads linking the town with Siliguri, including the National Highway 10, ruptured at different places due to landslides and flood triggered by incessant rains over the last 24 hours and more.
A major landslide at Birik Dara on NH10, which is also the main road link between Sikkim and Siliguri, has completely blocked the road with no movement of vehicle possible on that stretch. The other frequently used road to commute between Kalimpong and Siliguri via Pabong has also been partially blocked because of a landslide at Yangmakum.
The more circuitous road between Kalimpong and Siliguri via Lopchu-Peshok Road has also been rendered dangerous for travel at a stretch in Teesta Bazar due to the overflowing waters of the Teesta River. The Kalimpong district administration has advised against movement of vehicles on all the three roads till they are declared safe for travel.
With the disruption of traffic on the three roads, the only remaining road link between Kalimpong and Siliguri is through Lava. However, this road takes double the time to travel to Siliguri than via NH10.