North Sikkim: Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth inaugurated the reconstructed Chungthang–Lachen road and the 400-foot-long Bailey suspension Taram Chu bridge in North Sikkim. The infrastructure projects have been rebuilt by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) following a series of natural disasters that severely impacted the region.
The restoration marks a significant milestone in disaster relief and infrastructure recovery efforts undertaken after the devastating cloudburst in May–June 2025, Cyclone Remal in June 2024, and the glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in October 2023.
BRO Restores Connectivity After Multiple Natural Disasters
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence, the BRO undertook extensive operations under Project Swastik to restore communication and road connectivity in North Sikkim.
As part of the rehabilitation efforts:
- 96 landslides were cleared
- Four major bridges were constructed
- Two additional bridges were repaired
- Eight kilometres of fresh bench cutting and slope stabilization were completed
- Alternative alignments were created to bypass unstable and sinking stretches
The engineering teams worked in challenging high-altitude terrain to ensure early restoration of connectivity for civilians and security forces.
Boost to Regional Connectivity and Economic Activity
The latest developments follow the opening of the 7.5-kilometre-long Naga–Tung road in October 2025, which further strengthened regional connectivity.
With the completion of the 28-kilometre-long Chungthang–Lachen road and the Taram Chu bridge, the infrastructure is expected to significantly improve mobility for local residents, meet the operational requirements of security agencies, and boost economic activities including tourism and trade in North Sikkim.
Critical Infrastructure for North Sikkim’s Development
Speaking at the inauguration, MoS Defence Sanjay Seth described the assets as crucial for infrastructure development and the welfare of local communities in North Sikkim. He lauded the Border Roads Organisation for its sustained commitment and relentless efforts in restoring connectivity in the strategically important region.
The project underscores the government’s continued focus on strengthening border infrastructure and disaster-resilient development in India’s northeastern states.
