Mangan, February 26 (IPR): The Minister of State (MoS) for Defence, Government of India, Mr Sanjay Seth, today inaugurated the newly constructed Taram Chu Steel Bridge, marking the restoration of crucial connectivity along the Chungthang–Lachen Road in North Sikkim.
The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of Minister for Social Welfare, Government of Sikkim-cum-MLA, Lachen–Mangan Constituency, Mr Samdup Lepcha, along with public representatives, Chairpersons, Pipons, District Collector Mangan Mr Anant Jain, SP Mangan Mr LB Chettri, senior officers of 86 RCC (GREF), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Indian Army officials, and a large gathering of local residents.
Upon his arrival at Chatten Helipad, the MoS was received by SDM Chungthang Mr Arun Chettri and SDPO Chungthang Mr Chandan Chhetri and escorted to the inauguration site.
At the inauguration site, the MoS was accorded a warm welcome by dignitaries including District Collector Mangan Mr Anant Jain, SP Mangan Mr LB Chettri, Chief Engineer, Project Swastik, Brig. Amit Sakhre; Officer Commanding 86 RCC (GREF), Lt. Col. Hemant Sharma; Lieutenant General Manraj Singh Mann, Sena Medal Bar, General Officer Commanding, Trishakti Corps, Sukna and Additional Director General (East), BRO, Mr Jitendra Prasad, Vishisht Seva Medal, along with officials of the district administration.
The programme commenced with the unveiling of the commemorative plaque and formal inauguration of the bridge, followed by traditional religious rituals performed by learned priests. A brief technical presentation on the bridge was delivered by Brig. Amit Sakhre, highlighting its structural features and strategic importance.
In his address, Minister of State Mr Sanjay Seth lauded the relentless efforts of the Border Roads Organisation and GREF personnel for completing the bridge within a short timeframe despite challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, and the State Government for their continuous support and coordination throughout the restoration process.
The Minister noted that the bridge would not only restore normalcy for the people of Lachen and surrounding areas but also strengthen strategic mobility in this sensitive border region. He appreciated the District Administration for extending full cooperation to BRO during the execution of the project.
Reiterating the commitment of the Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi, he assured continued support to fulfil the developmental aspirations of the State.
In his address, Area MLA cum Minister Mr Samdup Lepcha expressed heartfelt gratitude to the MoS for visiting North Sikkim and inaugurating the much-awaited bridge. He highlighted the immense hardships faced by the people following the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) of October 2023 and subsequent natural calamities, which severely disrupted connectivity and daily life.
On behalf of the State Government and the Chief Minister, he extended sincere appreciation to the GREF and BRO personnel for their tireless and dedicated service under extreme conditions. He also acknowledged the patience and cooperation of the local public during the restoration period.
The Minister further requested that due consideration be given to public sentiment while finalising the proposed road alignment project above Chungthang. He assured continued coordination between the Government, executing agencies and the public for sustainable and sensitive infrastructure development.
It may be recalled that unprecedented heavy rainfall, flash floods, Cyclone Remal (June 2024), and devastating cloudbursts in May–June 2025 caused extensive damage to infrastructure in North Sikkim, washing away several critical bridges including the earlier structure over Taram Chu. The destruction severely impacted connectivity to Lachen, disrupting tourism, essential supplies and strategic movement.
The newly constructed 400-foot-long Bailey Suspension Steel Bridge over Taram Chu and the restoration of the 28-kilometre Chungthang–Lachen axis represent a major milestone in post-disaster recovery efforts. Engineered to withstand high-altitude conditions, seismic sensitivity and extreme discharge levels typical of the region, the bridge is designed as a resilient and durable structure.
The restoration re-establishes a vital lifeline between Chungthang and Lachen, ensuring smooth movement of civilians and tourists, reliable supply of essential commodities, enhanced disaster response capability and strengthened national security logistics.
The successful completion of the project stands as a testament to the dedication, professionalism and nation-building commitment of BRO and 86 RCC (GREF) personnel working in remote and strategically important areas of Sikkim.
Following the inauguration programme, the Minister of State proceeded to Chungthang for a scheduled review meeting with the district administration.
– Report from DIO Mangan
