The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has given its approval for the construction of a new, alternative highway connecting Melli and Singtam in the mountainous state of Sikkim.

Residents of Sikkim have long asked for this alternative highway because, currently, they have to take a roundabout route through NH10 in Bengal to travel between Melli and Singtam.

A source shared, "The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has confirmed the project's approval through an official letter sent to Chief Minister P. S. Tamang. It will be a completely new highway, and NHIDCL (National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited) will take on the project."

Back in April this year, Indra Hang Subba, the only Lok Sabha member from Sikkim, met with Gadkari to request the project's approval. Subba had also brought up the issue in Parliament and was told the project was being considered.

An official familiar with the project explained, "It will be a 'Greenfield' project, meaning the highway will follow a new path. In such projects, buying the land is less expensive, and construction is easier."