Mangan: The Office of the Superintendent of Police, Mangan District, has released updated driving schedules for Sankalang due to the continuous rains and mudslides that have been occurring in North Sikkim.

Tourist cars traveling north from Gangtok to Mangan or Chungthang via Sankalang or Phidang Bailey Bridge are required to pass the Sankalang region by 2:00 pm, per the order, which will take effect on April 30.

In the meanwhile, by 3:30 pm, the descending traffic flow from Chungthang to Gangtok ought to have to traverse the Sankalang Bailey Bridge.

“All tourist vehicles traveling from Gangtok to Mangan via either the Sankalang or Phidang Bailey Bridge shall cross the Sankalang area by 1400 hours (2:00 PM),” said the office of the superintendent of police in a news release. After 1400 hours, no tourist vehicle traveling this road toward Chungthang is allowed to go through the Sankalang region.”

“By 1530 hours (3:30 PM), all tourist cars going from Chungthang to Gangtok must pass the Sankalang Bailey Bridge. After 1530 hours, no tourist car is allowed to cross the bridge on this route. Only light vehicles are permitted to use the Sankalang Bailey Bridge. Vehicles are only allowed to cross the bridge if their gross weight (including cargo) is less than 12 tons.

Heavy trucks cannot use the bridge until further notice, according to the press statement.

Beginning on April 30, vehicles will not be allowed to move beyond the specified hours.

Furthermore, big trucks are “strictly prohibited” from crossing the Sankhalang Bridge; only light vehicles weighing less than 12 tons total (including cargo) will be allowed to do so.

“These measures are being implemented to ensure the safety of the travelling public and to prevent any untoward incidents arising from the ongoing adverse weather conditions,” said the directive.

“Any violations of this order shall invite strict legal action under the relevant provisions of law,” it continued.