BRO Restores Chungthang–Lachen Axis in North Sikkim

Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth inaugurated the restored Chungthang–Lachen axis and a 400-foot Bailey Suspension Taram Chu Bridge in North Sikkim, marking a major milestone in post-disaster recovery. The critical infrastructure has been rebuilt by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under Project Swastik.

The restoration follows a series of natural disasters, including cloudbursts in May–June 2025, Cyclone Remal in June 2024 and the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood of October 2023, which severely disrupted connectivity in the region.

Extensive Post-Disaster Engineering Efforts

To restore vital Lines of Communication, BRO cleared 96 landslides, constructed four major bridges and repaired two others. The engineering teams also undertook eight kilometres of fresh formation cutting and created diversions to navigate unstable slopes and sinking zones.

These works build upon the earlier reopening of the 7.5 km Naga–Toong stretch in October 2025, further strengthening road access in North Sikkim’s challenging terrain.

Strategic and Civil Importance

The completion of the 28 km Chungthang–Lachen road and the Taram Chu Bridge is expected to benefit local residents, security forces and regional trade. The route holds strategic significance due to its proximity to international borders and its role in facilitating troop and supply movement.

Officials stated that improved connectivity will also boost tourism and economic activities in the remote Himalayan district.

Infrastructure and National Vision

The inauguration aligns with the ‘Atmanirbhar Sikkim–Viksit Bharat’ vision articulated by the Sikkim government, focusing on resilient infrastructure and regional development.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Border Roads Organisation operates under the Ministry of Defence.
• A Bailey bridge is a portable, prefabricated truss bridge used for rapid deployment.
• Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) are sudden releases of water from glacial lakes.
• Sikkim shares international borders with China, Bhutan and Nepal.

Resilience in the Himalayan Region

Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth commended BRO for its sustained efforts in high-altitude terrain. The restored connectivity underscores India’s focus on disaster-resilient infrastructure, particularly in ecologically fragile Himalayan regions prone to landslides, floods and extreme weather events.