Infrastructure – BRO Restores Key Chungthang–Lachen Route in Sikkim
Infrastructure – The Border Roads Organisation has completed the restoration of the crucial Chungthang–Lachen road in North Sikkim, reopening a vital corridor that had been repeatedly damaged by natural disasters over the past two years. The repaired 28-kilometre stretch, along with a newly rebuilt 400-foot Bailey Suspension Bridge over the Taram Chu, was formally inaugurated on Thursday by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth.
Route Reopens After Successive Natural Disasters
The Chungthang–Lachen axis, an essential link in the mountainous district, had endured severe destruction following a glacial lake outburst flood in October 2023. Further setbacks came with Cyclone Remal in June 2024 and a series of intense cloudbursts during May and June 2025. These back-to-back events triggered landslides, slope failures and road collapses, isolating several remote habitations for extended periods.
The repeated damage disrupted the movement of civilians, security personnel and the supply of essential goods. With North Sikkim’s challenging terrain and strategic importance, restoring the road was considered critical not only for local residents but also for operational readiness in the region.
Intensive Engineering Operations Under Harsh Conditions
The reconstruction work was carried out by Project Swastik, a unit of the Border Roads Organisation, under the leadership of Brigadier Amit Sakhre. Teams operated in difficult weather and unstable ground conditions, often working round the clock to stabilize slopes and clear debris.
According to officials, engineers cleared 96 landslides during the restoration process. The effort included building four new major bridges and repairing two that had sustained structural damage. Temporary diversions were created at several vulnerable points to maintain continuity of access while permanent structures were being erected.
In some stretches, fresh formation cutting was required across nearly eight kilometres of particularly fragile terrain. This involved reshaping sections of the hillside to establish a safe and durable roadway, a task made more complex by frequent rainfall and recurring ground subsidence.
Gradual Return of Connectivity
Partial relief had come earlier when a 7.5-kilometre section between Naga and Toong was reopened in October 2025. That development enabled limited access to parts of North Sikkim, but full restoration of the Chungthang–Lachen route was essential to reconnect the entire axis.
Officials described the overall reconstruction as an exceptionally demanding assignment. The area’s geology, marked by unstable slopes and multiple sinking zones, required continuous monitoring and reinforcement even as construction progressed. Weather-related interruptions further extended timelines.
Strategic and Economic Importance
The reopening of the axis is expected to bring immediate benefits to residents of Lachen and surrounding villages. The road serves as a primary channel for food supplies, medical aid, construction materials and other essentials. It also plays a crucial role in supporting tourism and small-scale trade, both of which are important to the local economy.
From a strategic perspective, the restored corridor enhances logistical movement for security forces deployed in the region. North Sikkim’s proximity to international borders adds to the road’s operational significance, making reliable infrastructure a priority.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Development
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Minister Sanjay Seth commended the Border Roads Organisation for what he termed an extraordinary achievement under extreme circumstances. He noted that restoring the Chungthang–Lachen road and completing the Taram Chu bridge marked a major step toward strengthening infrastructure in remote Himalayan areas.
The minister reiterated the government’s focus on improving connectivity in border districts, emphasizing that resilient infrastructure is central to both national security and regional development. He also acknowledged the cooperation extended by local communities during the restoration process.
With the route now operational, authorities expect smoother transportation and renewed economic activity in North Sikkim. The successful completion of the project underscores the role of sustained engineering efforts in rebuilding infrastructure after natural disasters and ensuring long-term connectivity in vulnerable mountain regions.