Mangan, February 26: Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on Wednesday inaugurated the newly constructed Taram Chu Steel Bridge, restoring crucial connectivity along the Chungthang–Lachen Road in North Sikkim.
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| MoS Defence Sanjay Seth inaugurates the 400-ft Taram Chu Steel Bridge in North Sikkim, restoring Chungthang–Lachen connectivity. (Image: DIO Mangan) |
The ceremony was attended by Sikkim Minister for Social Welfare-cum-MLA Lachen–Mangan Constituency Samdup Lepcha, District Collector Mangan Anant Jain, SP Mangan LB Chettri, senior officials of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), 86 RCC (GREF), Indian Army officers and local residents.
The Minister was received at Chatten Helipad by SDM Chungthang Arun Chettri and SDPO Chungthang Chandan Chhetri before proceeding to the inauguration site. The programme began with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, followed by traditional rituals and a technical presentation by Brig. Amit Sakhre, Chief Engineer, Project Swastik, outlining the bridge’s structural features and strategic importance.
In his address, Seth lauded the BRO and GREF personnel for completing the bridge within a short timeframe despite challenging terrain and adverse weather. He thanked Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and the State Government for their support, noting that the bridge would restore normalcy for residents of Lachen and enhance strategic mobility in the sensitive border region. Reaffirming the Centre’s commitment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he assured continued support for the State’s development.
MLA Samdup Lepcha expressed gratitude for the Minister’s visit and highlighted the hardships faced by locals following the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) of October 2023 and subsequent natural calamities, including heavy rainfall, flash floods and Cyclone Remal, which severely disrupted connectivity.
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The 400-foot-long Bailey Suspension Steel Bridge over Taram Chu restores the 28-kilometre Chungthang–Lachen axis. Designed to withstand high-altitude conditions, seismic sensitivity and extreme discharge levels, the structure marks a significant milestone in post-disaster recovery efforts.
The restored connectivity is expected to facilitate civilian movement, tourism, essential supplies, disaster response and national security logistics in North Sikkim.
Following the inauguration, the Minister proceeded to Chungthang for a review meeting with the district administration.
