National Highways are a network of trunk roads connecting major towns and cities in India and contributing to the transportation facilities across these regions. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways are mainly responsible for the development and maintenance of the National Highway 10. 

This route plays a significant role in inter-state trading and tourism as it connects to several cities and towns of north-eastern India.

National Highway 10 lies in the north-eastern part of India. It runs through a variety of landforms and scenery with several entry and exit points.

States Falling Under National Highway 10 (NH10)

• West Bengal 
• Sikkim

National Highway 10 connects the Indo-Bangladesh border in West Bengal with Gangtok in Sikkim via SIliguri. In the state of Sikkim, National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) maintains NH10 from Rangpo to Ranipool.

Entry and Exit Points of National Highway 10

The major junctions of National Highway 10 are Phulbari (Fulbari) (south end) and Gangtok (north end). These points are marked as the following junctions:

• NH17 terminal in Sevoke
• NH710 at Melli
• NH 717A at Ranipool
• NH 510 at Singtam
• NH 310 and NH 310 A in Gangtok

Here are the vehicles that are allowed on NH 10. 

• Bikes
• Regular buses and Deluxe buses
• Jeeps and cars
• Heavy Construction Machinery, Earth Moving Vehicles and Multi Axle Vehicle
• Light goods vehicle or minibus
• Light Commercial Vehicle

Vehicles travelling from West Bengal to Sikkim on National Highway 10 must also abide by the set speed limit. 

• Motorcycles: 80 km per hour
• Quadricycle: 60 km per hour
• Three-wheeled vehicles: 50 km per hour
• Motor vehicles with not more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat used to carry passengers: 100 km per hour
• Motor vehicles having nine or more seats in addition to the driver’s seat used to carry passengers: 90 km per hour
• Motor vehicles used to carry goods: 80 km per hour

Here are some of the popular tourist spots that you shall come across while travelling on NH 10:

1. West Bengal

Here are some of the tourist spots that you shall pass through while travelling on route NH 10 from West Bengal: 

• Ahaldhara Viewpoint
• Panbu Dara Viewpoint
• Gumbadhara Viewpoint
• Namthing Pokhri Lake
• Pujay Dara Viewpoint
• 7th Mile Viewpoint
• Paglajhora Falls
• Teesta River Viewpoint
• Tinchuley

2. Sikkim

NH10 enters Sikkim in Melli Bazaar and runs to the state capital of Gangtok. Here are some of the tourist destinations that you will come across while travelling to Gangtok on NH 10: 

• Deolo Viewpoint
• Ramitey Viewpoint
• Pokriatar View Point
• Rangpo

Here are certain things that you must keep in mind while driving through NH10: 

• As you cross Siliguri, the road begins to take a sharp winding route on NH10. Ensure to adhere to the speed limit on such roads. 
• Avoid overspeeding or overtaking on NH10, as hilly roads are prone to accidents. 
• Before setting out, consider checking the day’s weather forecast. Surrounded by hilly areas, National Highway 10 is quite prone to landslides and floods.
• Avoid long drives at night, especially in the hilly regions of NH10.

The journey from Phulbari to Gangtok on National Highway 10 is mesmerising and exciting as you travel up. However, it is important to drive safely as you travel by NH 10. Avoid littering on roads and contribute to maintaining the cleanliness of the beautiful states of West Bengal and Sikkim.