BRO restores North Sikkim link; new bridge opened
In a significant boost to strategic connectivity and regional development, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has successfully restored the critical Chungthang — Lachen axis in North Sikkim. Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, formally inaugurated the restored route along with a 400-foot Bailey Suspension bridge at Taram Chu on Thursday.
The restoration marks a major milestone in post-disaster recovery following a series of natural calamities, including the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) of October 2023, Cyclone Remal in June 2024, and devastating cloudbursts in mid-2025. These events had severely damaged the road network, isolating local communities and disrupting essential supplies for several months. Under Project Swastik, led by Brigadier Amit Sakhre, BRO personnel worked round-the-clock through treacherous terrain and inclement weather.
The herculean engineering effort involved clearing 96 major landslides along the Lachen Axis; constructing four new major bridges and repairing two others; executing eight kilometres of fresh formation cutting in sinking zones; and opening the 7.5 km Naga-Toong stretch to restore the vital line of communication. Speaking at the inauguration, Sanjay Seth praised the “selfless public service” of the BRO. “The 400-foot Taram Chu Bridge and the 28 km Chungthang-Lachen road are significant milestones in our efforts to strengthen connectivity.
We remain committed to the development of this region and the well-being of its people,” the Minister stated.Officials noted that the project faced extreme challenges due to unstable slopes and frequent weather disruptions. However, the reopening of the axis now restores a crucial lifeline for residents, security agencies, and economic activities in the border state. The restoration is being viewed as a pivotal step towards the State Government’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Sikkim-Viksit Bharat,” ensuring that the remote high-altitude areas of North Sikkim remain integrated with the rest of the country.
