Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Sanjay Seth has inaugurated the restored Chungthang-Lachen road axis and the Taram Chu Bridge in North Sikkim, marking a key milestone in rebuilding critical connectivity damaged by recent natural disasters.
The infrastructure was reconstructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under Project Swastik following extensive damage caused by cloudbursts in May-June 2025, Cyclone Remal in June 2024, and the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood in October 2023.
The restored connectivity includes the 28 Km Chungthang-Lachen road and a 400-ft Bailey suspension bridge over the Taram Chu river, providing vital access for local communities as well as defence and security forces operating in the strategically sensitive region.
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According to the Ministry of Defence, BRO cleared 96 landslides, constructed four major bridges, repaired two others, and carried out eight Km of fresh road formation cutting while creating diversions to stabilise damaged and unstable terrain.
These efforts followed the reopening of the 7.5 Km Naga-Toong stretch in October 2025, further improving access to remote parts of North Sikkim.
The minister said these assets are pivotal to the infrastructure development of North Sikkim and the well-being of locals.
He acknowledged the Border Roads Organisation for their consistent work in the region.
According to the Defence Ministry, the inauguration of these vital road connectivity assets align with the ‘Atmanirbhar Sikkim-Viksit Bharat Vision’ outlined by the Chief Minister of Sikkim.
