Gangtok: Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on Thursday inaugurated the newly built Taram Chu steel bridge in North Sikkim, restoring crucial connectivity along the Chungthang–Lachen road that had been disrupted by successive natural disasters.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Chungthang, the Minister of State for Defence commended the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) personnel for completing the project within a short span despite difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions.
He also thanked Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and the Sikkim government for their sustained cooperation and coordination during the reconstruction process.
Seth said the new bridge would not only bring relief to residents of Lachen and nearby areas but also enhance strategic connectivity in the sensitive border region. He further appreciated the Mangan district administration for extending full support to the BRO in executing the project.
Reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to Sikkim’s development, the Union minister assured continued assistance to meet the aspirations of the state and its people.
Sikkim Welfare Minister and Lachen-Mangan MLA Samdup Lepcha expressed gratitude to Seth for visiting the remote region and inaugurating the long-awaited bridge. He noted that residents of North Sikkim had endured significant hardship following the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) and other calamities two years ago, which severely disrupted road connectivity and daily life.
Lepcha also acknowledged the dedicated efforts of GREF and BRO personnel, who worked under extreme conditions to restore infrastructure in the region.
North Sikkim has faced repeated natural disasters, including heavy rainfall, flash floods, Cyclone Remal in June 2024, and severe cloudbursts in May–June 2025.
These events caused widespread damage to infrastructure, washing away several key bridges, including the earlier structure over Taram Chu, and cutting off access to Lachen. The damage affected tourism, supply chains and strategic movement in the border area.
The newly constructed 400-foot-long Bailey suspension steel bridge over Taram Chu, along with the restoration of the 28-kilometre Chungthang–Lachen stretch, marks a significant step in post-disaster recovery. Built to withstand high-altitude conditions, seismic vulnerability and heavy water discharge, the structure is designed for long-term durability.
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With the bridge now operational, the vital link between Chungthang and Lachen has been re-established, facilitating civilian and tourist movement, ensuring a steady supply of essential goods, improving disaster response capability and strengthening national security logistics in the region.
