and Sikkim collapsed near Shwetijhara on Sunday, severing a vital transport artery between the two states. Often referred to as the "lifeline" of the region, the highway crumbled directly into the Teesta river following continuous rainfall.
According to local reports, cracks had started appearing on the road by Saturday. But with non-stop rain pounding the region through the night, the weakened portion finally gave way by Sunday morning, plunging a significant chunk of the road into the river.
The collapse has led to a complete halt of vehicular movement on this route, disrupting supply chains, tourism, and emergency connectivity. Officials have reached the spot, and alternate routes are being explored while efforts to assess and restore the damage are underway.
This stretch is crucial for both daily commuters and goods transportation between North Bengal and Sikkim, and its collapse is being seen as a major infrastructural crisis in the monsoon season.