Crucial NH sections remain out of bounds

GANGTOK: Two points along National Highway 31A connecting Siliguri and Gangtok lay out of bounds for commuters as the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) failed to open the road during monsoon.
The Ninth Mile near the Ranipool, Gangtok and Likuvir 20 km down the Teesta Bridge in Kalimpong district has slipped into the river, leading to a roadblock.
Also, one tourist died crushed by a boulder at Likuvir in October.
A flyover along the ninth mile is being planned, provided the Geological Survey of India gave a favourable report, said BRO chief engineer Suraj Prakash.
A proposal has already been examined by the Centre. Regarding Likuvir, BRO is widening the slip area and will construct a road in winter.
Moreover, BRO was facing an obstacle from the forest department to clear the strategic Sikkim-Bhutan border road, stated Prakash.
Though state chief minister Pawan Chamling at a meeting with the army and BRO promised clearance from the forest department, no action has been taken so far.