Govt. approves widening of Gangtok-Nathu La road

New Delhi, Jan 2 (UNI) The government has approved widening and improvement of strategically important Gangtok-Nathula road to 2-lane in Sikkim between Tashi View Point near Gangtok and Nathula at an estimated cost of Rs. 263.6 crore.

Initially, work will be carried out on a 37 km stretch out of its total 61 km length while the remaining 24 km will be taken up for approval after the project preparation is completed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

The project, to be taken up under the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for North Eastern Region (SARDP-NE), was approved by Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Minister T. R.

Baalu.

''With the approval accorded by Mr Baalu, BRO would start the work on this 37 km length to construct the road to international standards,'' a ministry spokesman said today.

Gangtok-Nathu La road has acquired importance after opening of trade with China through Nathu La pass in July last year.

The government had earlier approved in September 2005 and May 2006 improvement of NH 31 A from Sevoke to Gangtok to 2-lane and of General Staff road from Gangtok to Nathu La to 2-lane to facilitate plying of heavy commercial vehicles, which are expected to increase in tune with improved trade flows with China.

UNI