GANGTOK — The High Court of Sikkim has strongly criticized the state government over the deteriorating condition of roads and persistent delays in critical infrastructure projects across North Sikkim. Hearing a long-pending suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding public access and road networks, a division bench comprising Chief Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai expressed sharp dissatisfaction with official status reports and ordered an independent, on-the-ground inspection.
The court highlighted glaring discrepancies between the State Government’s claims and the reality reported by local communities, emphasizing the severe vulnerability of remote populations cut off from essential services.
Key Points from the Court Proceedings
- Discrepancies in Official Claims: While the state government maintained that alternative road arrangements were fully functional, local stakeholders painted a starkly different picture of heavily damaged roads and disrupted services in remote regions like Dzongu and Lachen.
- Independent Assessment Ordered: Dismayed by the conflicting narratives, the bench directed the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), North Sikkim, to independently evaluate the ground situation. The official will interact with the Sikkim Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association (SILTA), local residents, and Public Works Department (PWD) officials before submitting a factual report on village connectivity.
- Inter-Agency Communication Gaps: The hearing exposed poor coordination between state and central bodies. The State Government claimed that a vehicle diversion through Rangpo Bazaar had been withdrawn, but the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) stated it had received no written communication regarding the decision.
Safety Risks and Delayed Highway Corridors
The division bench also took up safety issues regarding a hazardous “S-turn” stretch of road. Following inputs from the Amicus Curiae and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), NHIDCL has agreed to examine the feasibility of building an alternative bypass route.
Furthermore, ongoing contractual disputes between private contractors and the BRO have heavily stalled the vital Singtam–Dikchu highway corridor. Similarly, critical restoration work connecting Lachen through the Taram Chu Bridge remains incomplete. BRO authorities informed the bench that the pending restoration works are now expected to be completed by July 2026.
The High Court has ordered all concerned infrastructure agencies and government bodies to submit their compliance reports ahead of the next scheduled hearing on June 18, 2026.