Sikkim Police regulates vehicular movement on Sankalang Bailey Bridge amid heavy rains
Moreover, strict restrictions have been placed on the type of vehicles allowed to use the bridge. Only light vehicles, with a gross weight, including cargo, of less than 12 tons will be permitted to cross the Sankalang Bailey Bridge.
LOCAL
In view of continuous heavy rainfall and frequent mudslides affecting road conditions in the region, the Sikkim Police, Mangan District, has issued a new order regulating the movement of vehicles on the Sankalang Bailey Bridge. The order, aimed at ensuring public safety, will come into effect from April 30, 2025, and will remain in force until further notice.
According to the order issued by the Superintendent of Police, Mangan District, under Sections 57(1), 59(1), and 59(2) of the Sikkim Police Act, 2008, strict timing and vehicle weight restrictions will be enforced on the Sankalang Bailey Bridge. This step has been taken after incessant rains made the roads unsafe, raising serious concerns for the safety of travelers.
As per the new guidelines, all tourist vehicles traveling upwards from Gangtok towards Mangan or Chungthang must cross the Sankalang area by 2:00 PM (1400 hours). After this time, no tourist vehicle will be allowed to ply through the Sankalang area towards Chungthang. For vehicles traveling downwards from Chungthang to Gangtok, the cut-off time to cross the Sankalang Bailey Bridge is 3:30 PM (1530 hours). No tourist vehicles will be allowed to use the bridge after this time.
Moreover, strict restrictions have been placed on the type of vehicles allowed to use the bridge. Only light vehicles, with a gross weight, including cargo, of less than 12 tons will be permitted to cross the Sankalang Bailey Bridge. Heavy vehicles are completely banned from using the bridge until further orders are issued.
The police department has stressed that these measures are necessary to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of the public, given the ongoing bad weather and deteriorating road conditions. They have appealed to all drivers, tourists, and travel operators to fully cooperate and follow the new rules without fail.
"These measures are being implemented to ensure the safety of the traveling public and to prevent any untoward incidents arising from the ongoing adverse weather conditions," the order said.