Sikkim’s Steel Savior: The Taram Chu Bridge Inauguration

Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth recently inaugurated the newly constructed Taram Chu steel bridge on the Chungthang–Lachen Road in North Sikkim, restoring a critical link that had been severed by natural disasters over the past two years.

Speaking at Chungthang town, Seth lauded the efforts of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) for completing the bridge in record time despite difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions. He also thanked Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and the state government for their continued support during the restoration work.

The minister said the new bridge would not only restore normal life for residents of Lachen and nearby areas but also enhance strategic mobility in the sensitive border region. He further appreciated the Mangan district administration for extending full cooperation to the BRO during project execution.

Sikkim Welfare Minister and Lachen–Mangan MLA Samdup Lepcha expressed gratitude to the MoS Defence for inaugurating the long-awaited bridge, highlighting the severe hardships faced by North Sikkim following the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) and subsequent natural calamities that disrupted connectivity and daily life.

Heavy rainfall, flash floods, and extreme weather events — including Cyclone Remal — along with cloudbursts in 2025, caused extensive damage across the region, washing away key infrastructure such as the earlier Taram Chu bridge. The newly built 400-foot-long bailey suspension steel bridge, along with the restoration of the 28-km Chungthang–Lachen stretch, marks a significant milestone in post-disaster reconstruction.

Designed to withstand high-altitude conditions, seismic forces, and intense river flow, the bridge has been engineered for long-term resilience and durability. Its completion re-establishes a vital lifeline between Chungthang and Lachen, facilitating civilian movement, tourism, essential supplies, disaster response, and strengthened strategic logistics in the border area.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.