Northeast Desk, 15th June: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has launched a massive effort to restore crucial road connectivity to North Sikkim, which has been severely impacted by landslides and heavy rains, resulting in significant damage and stranding of tourists.
Multiple landslides at key stretches such as Dikchu-Sanklang-Toong, Mangan-Sanklang, Singtham-Rangrang, and Rangrang-Toong, along with the collapse of the vital Sanklang suspension bridge, have severed connectivity to North Sikkim. This has not only disrupted travel but also affected power, food supplies, and mobile networks across the region. The situation has been exacerbated by the tragic loss of six lives due to the natural calamities.
In response, the BRO, operating under Project SWASTIK, has mobilised extensive manpower and machinery to expedite the restoration efforts. Heavy earth-moving equipment has been deployed along the Dikchu-Sanklang-Toong Road, with significant progress already made in clearing debris and reopening approximately 10 km of the road from the Toong side towards Sanklang.
Additionally, efforts are underway to clear debris on the Gangtok Road from the Naga side and restore connectivity between Naga and Lanthakhola. The BRO is also focusing on restoring access to North Sikkim through the newly constructed modular bridge at Toong, highlighting their commitment to swiftly resolve the crisis and facilitate relief efforts.
The efforts of the BRO underscore their dedication to restoring essential infrastructure and ensuring that normalcy returns to the affected areas of North Sikkim as quickly as possible.