The Sikkim High Court has directed the State government to revisit its current odd-even vehicle movement policy along the critical NH-10 corridor between Mayfair Junction in Ranipool and Zero Point Junction in Gangtok within three weeks. The judicial order was passed on September 22 by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice A Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Bhaskar Raj Pradhan during the hearing of a public interest litigation filed by Mahesh Rai and others challenging the restrictions imposed by the State of Sikkim. During court proceedings, Additional Advocate General Zangpo Sherpa informed the Bench that the government is actively reviewing the traffic restrictions currently in place on this specific highway stretch. Taking note of the state’s submission, the High Court formally adjourned the PIL matter until October 15 to allow authorities adequate time to reconsider the framework. The contested odd-even traffic regulation was originally introduced in May as part of a broader emergency effort to address acute fuel availability concerns across the region. While the policy was subsequently lifted across all other districts on May 31 after comprehensive government reviews confirmed sufficient fuel reserves, the restriction remained enforced within Gangtok town to manage urban congestion and vehicular flow. The initial conservation drive also incorporated broader austerity measures, including a five-day working week for government offices, a 30 percent reduction in official fuel allocations, and a significantly trimmed motorcade for the Chief Minister. However, the PIL brought the operational impact of these ongoing traffic restrictions under strict judicial scrutiny, with the High Court previously instructing district authorities to gather public grievances and present detailed plans regarding alternative public transport arrangements. Petitioners argued that extending and maintaining odd-even vehicular restrictions causes immense hardship to local residents, particularly in a mountainous state where seamless road connectivity on arterial routes like NH-10 is essential for daily commuting, commerce, and access to healthcare services. The latest directive signals a potential shift in state policy, as the government re-evaluates the balance between administrative traffic control and public convenience along key transit corridors. Moving forward, the upcoming hearing on October 15 will determine whether modified traffic norms will be introduced to ease movement for commuters while maintaining essential urban traffic management.
High Court Examines Public Impact of Gangtok’s Odd-Even Traffic Restrictions on NH-10
