Gangtok, Sept 23: Sikkim is stepping up efforts to strengthen its road infrastructure and improve connectivity across its mountainous terrain, with the state government focusing on completing key road, bridge and drainage works while addressing bottlenecks affecting movement in remote areas. B.

Dahal on Wednesday conducted an extensive field inspection across Gyalshing and Soreng districts, reviewing the progress and physical condition of key road corridors and directing officials to expedite pending works. During an inspection of the Uttarey–Chewabhanjang stretch leading towards the Sikkim-Nepal border, Dahal said difficult terrain and geographical constraints had delayed construction.

Dahal acknowledged delay in work and said, “Major obstacles have been overcome now work is commencing in top priority which will benefit people in the border regions in Sikkim”. He directed the Public Works Department (PWD) to fast-track the remaining works and ordered the immediate commencement of construction of the pending bridge over the Isangle Khola at Picharis to ensure seamless connectivity along the border corridor.

The inspection also covered the Pelling–Dentam–Uttarey road, where Dahal reviewed pavement quality, slope stability and drainage systems. He directed engineers to undertake repairs promptly, maintain construction standards and remove bottlenecks affecting residents and visitors.

The minister also inspected the Soreng–Zoom and Nayabazaar–Jorethang corridors, important links for daily commuting, public transport and commercial movement between West and South Sikkim. Officials were instructed to expedite ongoing works and maintain strict quality control.

At the Singla Bridge and Rammam Check Post along the Jorethang–Singla route, Dahal reviewed infrastructure supporting movement between Sikkim and neighbouring West Bengal. He called for regular structural monitoring, proper drainage maintenance and timely repairs to ensure safe and uninterrupted traffic.

The inspection comes amid a wider push by the Sikkim government to improve connectivity across the Himalayan state, particularly along routes with strategic and economic significance. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has also been seeking Central approval for the proposed Chewabhanjang Multimodal Economic Corridor along the Sikkim-Nepal border.

If approved, Chewabhanjang in West Sikkim would become the state’s second official international land-trade gateway after Nathu La, potentially making Sikkim one of the few Indian states with two foreign trading posts. The proposed corridor is envisioned as a route for strengthening cross-border trade, tourism and regional mobility.