BRO intensifies road restoration efforts in North Sikkim amid severe damage

North Sikkim has been struggling with severe disruptions in road connectivity following heavy rainfall and landslides that have rendered several key highways impassable. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has been working relentlessly to restore the damaged roads, particularly along the crucial Mangan-Chungthang-Lachen-Lachung route which serves as a lifeline for both locals and tourists.

The heavy monsoon rains have caused massive landslides at multiple locations, particularly affecting the Mangan to Chungthang stretch. The situation has been most critical at the Tungna stretch, where large portions of the road have been washed away, making travel impossible. In response, the BRO has identified an alternate alignment to bypass the damaged sections and facilitate connectivity.

While the restoration was initially planned to commence in April, unforeseen infrastructure challenges and logistical constraints have led to delays. Officials on the ground have now revised their estimates, suggesting that it could take another one to two months before the full road network is reinstated.

According to Mangan Deputy Commissioner Anant Jain, the administration is closely monitoring the progress of the restoration work and all necessary resources are being mobilized to expedite repairs. He said that restoring connectivity remains a top priority, especially with the ongoing monsoon posing further risks.

The impact of these disruptions has been felt not just by the local population but also by tourists, who rely on these roads to access popular destinations like Lachen, Lachung and Gurudongmar Lake. The BRO has assured that work is progressing as swiftly as possible, with teams deployed to clear debris, reconstruct embankments, and restore critical sections of the highway.

The entire Mangan-Chungthang-Lachen-Lachung highway falls under the jurisdiction of the Border Roads Organisation, which plays a pivotal role in maintaining and rebuilding infrastructure in this strategically significant region.

The 107 Road Construction Company (RCC) of the BRO is responsible for the Mangan to Chungthang segment, while the stretch from Chungthang to Lachen comes under the 86 RCC. Both units have mobilized extensive manpower and equipment, including excavators, dozers, and specialized road construction machinery, to expedite repair work.

BRO officials have said that they would restore these roads at the earliest, considering their strategic and economic significance. Besides being a major supply route for the local population, these highways also serve as essential corridors for defense personnel and border security operations.

Despite the dedicated efforts of the BRO, the repair process has faced several challenges, including unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and the sheer magnitude of the damage. Continuous rainfall has hampered work in certain areas, with landslides occurring even as clearing operations are underway.

To mitigate these challenges, authorities have deployed Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and additional police personnel to monitor traffic and provide assistance along alternative routes. At present, North Sikkim remains accessible to tourists via the Fidang-Dzongu road, which is being used as a temporary detour until the primary highways are fully restored.

The administration is also coordinating with multiple agencies to ensure disaster preparedness as the monsoon progresses. Meetings have been held with officials from various departments, including road construction and emergency response teams, to assess available resources such as heavy machinery, rescue personnel, and contingency plans for potential future disruptions.

While the restoration process is ongoing, authorities have assured residents and travelers that all necessary steps are being taken to expedite repairs and minimize inconvenience. The BRO has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring full connectivity as soon as possible, despite the prevailing challenges.

With concerted efforts from all stakeholders, the restoration of North Sikkim’s road network remains a top priority, ensuring that life and economic activities in the region can return to normal at the earliest.