Gangtok, May 29, 2026: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay on Friday convened a high-level meeting at Samman Bhawan to address the ongoing road connectivity issues affecting Lachen, a key border region in North Sikkim.
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| Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay leads a stakeholder meeting on the Lachen road connectivity issue at Samman Bhawan. (Photo: CMO Sikkim) |
The meeting brought together Pipons, representatives of the Lachen Dzumsa, local residents, ministers, senior government officials, and representatives from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Project Swastik and the 27 Mountain Division. District and police officials from Mangan and Chungthang, along with heads of concerned departments, also attended the discussions.
According to the Chief Minister, detailed deliberations were held on the grievances faced by residents, challenges in restoring connectivity, and possible long-term solutions to the recurring problem.
Following extensive discussions and with the consensus of all stakeholders, Tamang urged Army authorities to continue temporary road restoration and repair works and ensure their completion by July 15. He also directed the constitution of a high-level committee to conduct a site inspection and recommend a permanent and sustainable solution to the connectivity issue.
The Chief Minister said that, subject to technical feasibility and expert assessment, the construction of a tunnel could also be explored as a long-term measure to ensure uninterrupted access to Lachen.
Assuring residents that the government is treating the issue with utmost seriousness, Tamang stated that he has already written to the Prime Minister of India regarding the long-pending connectivity challenge. He added that he would also seek a personal meeting with the Defence Minister to discuss the matter further.
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Emphasising the broader significance of the issue, the Chief Minister said that reliable connectivity to Lachen is vital not only for the welfare of local residents but also for national security and tourism, both of which are of strategic importance to Sikkim and the country.
The government is expected to review the committee's findings before taking a final decision on permanent infrastructure measures for the region.
