In response to a significant and sustained increase in tourist movement toward North Sikkim’s popular destinations: Lachen, Gurudongmar, Lachung, and Yumthang, and the ongoing disruption of the Toong-Naga Road, Sikkim Police has issued a new traffic regulation order aimed at ensuring public safety and easing vehicular congestion.
Currently, the Dickchu-Sankalang-Shipgyer-Chungthang route is the only functional access to these destinations. The route is reportedly overburdened with traffic, raising concerns over safety and travel convenience.
In light of this, Superintendent of Police, Mangan District, Sonam Detchu Bhutia (SPS), has invoked Sections 57(1), 59(1), and 59(2) of the Sikkim Police Act, 2008, to implement the following traffic regulations:
- Heavy Vehicle Movement (Phidang–Sankalang–Chungthang route) is now permitted only between 9:00 PM and 1:00 AM.
- Heavy Vehicle Movement (Chungthang–Sankalang–Phidang route) is allowed only between 5:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
- The Phidang Bridge has a maximum load capacity of 18 tons (gross weight), and any overload will be strictly prohibited.
- No stopping will be allowed for heavy vehicles en route due to the narrowness of the roads, to avoid congestion and ensure smooth traffic flow.
Emergency service vehicles are exempt from this regulation.
The Superintendent stated that any violations will be dealt with strictly under the law. The order has been issued in the interest of public safety and to facilitate unhindered access for both tourists and residents navigating the route.
The regulation comes as North Sikkim continues to experience an unprecedented tourism influx, with local authorities working to maintain balance between access and safety in the ecologically sensitive region.
