North Sikkim: Tourist Traffic Restores Normalcy in After Key Road Reopens
North Sikkim: Tourist activity in North Sikkim has largely returned to pre-disruption levels following the reopening of the Toong–Naga Road, easing travel concerns that lingered for months after last year’s natural disaster. Officials say improved road conditions and ongoing infrastructure work have helped restore confidence among visitors and local communities alike.
Tourist Flow Shows Steady ImprovementNim Tshering Lepcha, Chairman of the Sikkim Welfare Commission, said travel toward Lachung is now proceeding without difficulty. According to him, close to 400 tourist vehicles are entering the area each day, reflecting a steady recovery in visitor movement. He noted that road repairs along the affected stretches have significantly improved safety, allowing vehicles to pass without interruption.
Tour operators have also reported fewer cancellations in recent weeks, indicating that the region is gradually regaining its status as a preferred destination during the winter tourism season.
Infrastructure Work Underway on Lachen Route
While access to Lachung has stabilized, work continues on restoring connectivity to Lachen. The Border Roads Organisation is currently constructing a bridge over the Taram Chu River, a critical link on the route. Officials expect the bridge to be completed by the first week of February, after which tourist travel to Lachen is likely to resume.
Authorities believe reopening this route will further support local livelihoods dependent on tourism and related services, which were severely affected after access was cut off.
Rehabilitation Plans for Displaced Families
Beyond tourism, the state government is advancing rehabilitation efforts for families displaced by the disaster. Lepcha confirmed that 125 families from the Rel, Naga, and Toong wards will be relocated to Upper Bojoghari in Gangtok. The move is intended to provide safer living conditions and long-term stability for those who lost homes and land.
Land ownership documents, known as parchas, are scheduled to be distributed on 8 February. Once the formalities are completed, construction of permanent housing will begin, marking a significant step in the resettlement process.
Impact of the 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood
The Toong–Naga region was among the worst affected areas during the October 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood. The sudden release of water triggered extensive flooding along the Teesta river basin, causing large-scale damage to roads, bridges, and residential areas across North Sikkim.
In the weeks that followed, repeated landslides further weakened already damaged road sections, severing connectivity and forcing several families to leave their homes. Tourism activities came to a near standstill as access routes remained unsafe.
Gradual Return to Normal Life
After months of coordinated restoration work by the state government and central agencies, the reopening of the Toong–Naga Road is being seen as a major milestone. Officials describe it as a turning point toward restoring daily life, reviving tourism, and rebuilding affected communities.
The Government of Sikkim has stated that rehabilitation and resettlement of families impacted by the flood remain a priority. Authorities have emphasized the need to ensure safety, long-term sustainability, and dignity for residents as rebuilding continues.
Support During the Emergency Phase
In the immediate aftermath of the 2023 flood, emergency response teams were deployed to assist civil authorities. Their efforts focused on rescue, relief distribution, and restoring essential connectivity during the critical early phase of the disaster.
As infrastructure repairs progress and rehabilitation plans move forward, officials remain cautiously optimistic that North Sikkim will continue on its path to recovery, balancing tourism revival with the long-term needs of affected residents.