If you have goods moving between Siliguri and Sikkim in the next few weeks, there is a change on National Highway 10 you should plan around. According to reports published on 4 October 2026, NH-10 between Sevoke Coronation Bridge and Rangpo is being closed to traffic at night, in two phases, while slope-protection and landslide-mitigation work is carried out. Here is what has been reported, what it means for freight, and how to schedule around it.
What Has Been Announced
Based on local news reports of the order, the restriction covers the 52.1 km stretch of NH-10 from Sevoke Coronation Bridge (Km 0) to Rangpo (Km 52.1). The highway is closed between 9 PM and 6 AM on the notified nights, and the reason given is excavation and slope-protection work on the hillside, which is unsafe to carry out with traffic passing.
| Phase | Dates (2026) | Closure hours |
|---|---|---|
| First phase | 7 October to 15 October | 9 PM to 6 AM |
| Second phase | 26 October to 5 November | 9 PM to 6 AM |
The reports describe the order as applying to all vehicle classes and do not mention an exemption for goods vehicles. They also say authorities may notify further phases later, and that diversion arrangements will be decided by the district administration. Dates and timings can change, so treat this as a planning guide and confirm the current position before dispatch.
Why Night Closures Matter More for Freight
Trucks serving the hills often use the night hours to run the corridor, because daytime traffic on a single-carriageway hill road is slow. A 9 PM to 6 AM closure removes that window. For a consignment going from Kolkata to Siliguri and then up to Gangtok and the rest of Sikkim, the practical effect is that the hill leg has to fit into daylight hours.
This is where the Siliguri stopover earns its place. Because goods are normally reloaded at Siliguri onto vehicles suited to the hills (see our guide to the Siliguri transshipment gateway), the long-haul truck does not need to be on NH-10 at night at all. The transshipped vehicle can leave in the morning and aim to clear the stretch before the evening closure.
How to Plan Your Shipment Around It
- Dispatch so the hill leg lands in daylight. Ask your transporter to time departure from Siliguri for the morning rather than late afternoon.
- Add buffer for time-critical cargo. A truck that misses the 9 PM cutoff may have to wait until 6 AM. Medical, perishable and event-linked loads should be flagged at booking.
- Tell your consignee. Deliveries in Sikkim may arrive later in the day or the next morning than they would in normal conditions.
- Check the current notice before dispatch. Phases can be added or revised; do not rely on last week’s information.
- Keep paperwork ready. A stopped vehicle at a check point is easier to move on when the invoice and e-way bill are in order.
Festive Season Adds to the Squeeze
The second phase runs into early November, when freight demand typically rises with the festive season. We have written separately about festive-season freight planning; the short version is to book earlier than usual this year, since night-time capacity on the hill leg is reduced.
What About Bhutan and the North-East?
The reported closure is on the Sevoke–Rangpo stretch of NH-10, which serves Sikkim. Goods heading to Bhutan via Jaigaon or to Guwahati and the North-East do not normally use that stretch, so they are not directly affected by this order. Delays at Siliguri from rescheduled hill traffic are possible, so it is still worth asking about timing.
How We Handle It
Our Siliguri branch sits on 2nd Mile, Sevoke Road, close to the start of the affected stretch, and we have worked this corridor since 1985. We plan Sikkim-bound loads around the current road status rather than a fixed schedule. For dates, loading and a quote, call +91 98742 42482 or message us on WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NH-10 closed to goods vehicles at night in October 2026?
According to reports of the order published on 4 October 2026, NH-10 between Sevoke Coronation Bridge and Rangpo is closed from 9 PM to 6 AM during 7-15 October and 26 October-5 November. The reports do not mention an exemption for goods vehicles, so confirm the current position before dispatch.
Which stretch of NH-10 is affected?
The 52.1 km section from Sevoke Coronation Bridge (Km 0) to Rangpo (Km 52.1), reported as closed for excavation, slope protection and landslide mitigation work.
Will my Kolkata to Sikkim shipment be delayed?
It can be, if the hill leg would otherwise fall in the closure window. Planning the Siliguri-to-Sikkim run for daylight hours and adding a buffer for time-critical cargo reduces the risk.
Are Bhutan-bound shipments affected?
Not directly. The reported closure is on the Sevoke-Rangpo stretch towards Sikkim, while Bhutan-bound goods go to the Jaigaon border. Ask your transporter about timing in case of knock-on congestion at Siliguri.
Where can I get current information?
Official notices from the district administration and NHIDCL, local news, and your transporter. Call +91 98742 42482 and we will tell you what we know before you fix a dispatch date.
