Centre Notifies New NH-210 in Sikkim to Boost Connectivity Between Melli and Singtam

The Government of India has officially notified a new national highway in the state of Sikkim — National Highway 210 (NH-210) — as per Gazette Notification No. S.O. 2631(E) dated June 13, 2025, issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

The newly designated NH-210 will begin at its junction with NH-710 near the Melli Teesta Bridge and traverse important settlements such as Melli Bazar, Mamring, and Samardong, before terminating at its junction with NH-510 near Singtam. The highway spans an estimated 23 kilometers and is expected to significantly boost intra-state connectivity in southern and eastern Sikkim.

The responsibility for the development and maintenance of NH-210 has been entrusted to the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). Known for executing strategic infrastructure projects in challenging terrains, NHIDCL will oversee the planning, construction, and upkeep of the entire stretch.

While the exact budgetary allocation for NH-210 has not yet been publicly specified, similar greenfield projects in the region typically involve investments ranging from ₹300 crore to ₹500 crore. NHIDCL’s portfolio across the Northeast includes numerous such highway projects, with its national commitments exceeding ₹12,000 crore. The development of NH-210 will likely fall within this investment range, accounting for factors like difficult topography, land acquisition, and environmental clearance.

This infrastructure initiative is part of a broader push under the Bharatmala Pariyojana and the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, aimed at improving last-mile connectivity and accelerating economic development in remote regions. Once completed, NH-210 will reduce travel time, decongest alternative routes like NH-10, and offer more reliable access for both commuters and freight transport.

The new national highway is expected to have a transformative impact on the local economy, facilitating smoother access to markets, healthcare, and education for residents of Mamring, Samardong, and surrounding areas.