BRO working on war footing to restore connectivity to North Sikkim with Bailey Bridge launched in coordination with army engineers

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 26, 2024

Brave workers of Project SWASTIK under the Border Road Organisation (BRO) have been working on a war footing for the restoration of road connectivity between North Sikkim and Dzongu, which has been ravaged by flash floods and landslides following heavy rainfall since June 12.

“Since the very first day, Project SWASTIK of BRO as a first responder, swung into restoration efforts by mobilizing huge manpower and heavy machinery for slide clearance works,” a senior official of BRO said.

Incessant rains since June 12 have caused havoc in North Sikkim. Due to unprecedented heavy rains various roads leading to North Sikkim like Dikchu-Sanklang-Toong, Mangan-Sanklang, Singtham-Rangrang, and Rangrang-Toong have experienced multiple heavy slides and formation breaches, resulting in the severing of connectivity to North Sikkim.

The situation became grave after the collapse of the newly constructed suspension bridge at Sanklangas entire connectivity to North Sikkim and the Dzongu region was through this bridge.

“Despite heavy rains and inclement weather conditions, BRO restored connectivity across Rafangkhola and Lanthakhola on Mangang-Chungthnag road. This road became traffic worthy for heavy vehicles till Naga,” the official said.

“Restoration efforts to restore connectivity between Naga and Chungthang are underway on a war footing, so connectivity to North Sikkim can be restored via this main axis. At the same time, BRO is working overtime to restore connectivity to North Sikkim and Dzongu region via alternate route i.e. Dikchu-Sanklang-Toong,” he said.

“Major challenge along this alternate route was huge formation breach at Dett Khola bridge. To overcome this bottleneck, BRO constructed massive abutments and later, in coordination with the Army launched 70 70-foot Bailey Bridge. This innovative approach enabled, the pushing forward of heavy machinery and construction stores along this axis,” he also said.

He added that the swift and efficient response of BRO once again demonstrated resilience and determination in restoring vital connectivity to North Sikkim. Selfless commitment by brave workers of Border Roads Organization has earned a laurel from all quarters and has raised hopes amongst everyone towards early restoration of connectivity to North Sikkim.