On Thursday, February 26, 2026, Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth inaugurated the restored 28-kilometre Chungthang–Lachen road and the newly rebuilt 400‑foot Bailey suspension bridge over the Taram Chu, restoring crucial road connectivity to North Sikkim after months of disruption caused by successive natural disasters. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) led the restoration, reopening a strategic lifeline for residents, tourists, security agencies and trade in the border district.
The BRO’s work followed a series of catastrophic events that had crippled the route: a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in October 2023, Cyclone Remal in June 2024 and severe cloudbursts in May and June 2025. The cloudbursts in particular washed away road stretches, triggered massive landslides and damaged bridges, leaving remote communities cut off and disrupting the movement of essential supplies, emergency services and security forces.
Undeterred by the terrain and weather, BRO engineers and labourers worked round the clock, clearing 96 landslides along the axis. The restoration project included the construction of four major bridges, repairs to two damaged bridges and multiple temporary diversions to maintain partial connectivity during the works. Teams also completed eight kilometres of fresh road formation cutting to realign and stabilise vulnerable stretches. BRO had earlier reopened the 7.5‑km Naga–Toong stretch in October 2025, which provided interim relief and partial access to North Sikkim.
Addressing the gathering at the inauguration, Sanjay Seth described the reopening and the new Taram Chu bridge as a “significant milestone” in strengthening infrastructure and safety in North Sikkim, and reaffirmed the central government’s commitment to development and welfare in the border state. He praised BRO personnel for their “selfless service” in one of the country’s most challenging terrains.
The ceremony was attended by Social Welfare Minister and area MLA Samdup Lepcha, Lt Gen Manraj Singh Mann (General Officer Commanding, Trishakti Corps), BRO Additional Director General (East) Jitendra Prasad, district officials, senior BRO and Indian Army officers, local representatives and large numbers of residents. Lepcha expressed gratitude on behalf of the people of Lachen, saying the restoration has brought renewed hope and the prospect of economic revival after prolonged isolation.
Sonam Norgay Lachunga, chairman of the Tourism and Civil Aviation department, thanked the Union and state leaders and urged tourists to plan visits to North Sikkim in the upcoming season. He highlighted improved access to high‑altitude attractions such as Gurudongmar Lake, at over 17,000 feet, and said the restored route should significantly boost local tourism and livelihoods for homestay operators, hotel owners, transport providers and small entrepreneurs.
Officials said the reopened Chungthang–Lachen axis and the Taram Chu bridge will once again serve as a critical corridor for civilian life, security operations and the regional economy, while ongoing stabilisation works aim to ensure longer‑term resilience against future calamities.
Original Source: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/mos-inaugurates-taram-chu-bridge-as-bro-restores-chungthang-lachen-route
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