Sikkim’s Mangan District is set to reopen to tourists on December 1, 2024, and to ensure smooth traffic flow, the District Collector-cum-Magistrate, Anant Jain, has announced new traffic regulations. These guidelines, issued under Section 34 (b) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, aim to prevent traffic congestion while facilitating ongoing road restoration on the Mangan-Chungthang route.
According to the new regulations, vehicles traveling from Mangan to Chungthang via the Toong Naga stretch will be allowed to operate only until 10:00 AM, with necessary permits. From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the Mangan-Chungthang road will be closed for vehicular traffic to allow essential work by 107 RCC, GREF. Additionally, vehicles traveling from Chungthang to Mangan and Gangtok will need to take an alternate route via the Shipgyer-Sangkalang-Phidang bridge.
Tourists are advised to obtain permits from the SDM’s office a day before or by 9:30 AM on the day of travel and are encouraged to use 4×4 vehicles or SUVs for the rugged Toong Naga stretch. The regulations will come into effect on December 1, with the Superintendent of Police, Mangan, tasked with enforcing strict adherence to these traffic guidelines to ensure the safety of both tourists and locals. The Tourism Department is also involved in the proper issuance of permits.