Union Minister Sanjay Seth Launches Key Steel Bridge in North Sikkim.

Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, recently inaugurated the newly-constructed Taram Chu steel bridge along the Chungthang-Lachen Road in North Sikkim, restoring a vital link disrupted by natural disasters over the past two years.

Addressing the gathering in Chungthang town, Seth praised the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) personnel for completing the bridge in record time despite challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions. He also expressed gratitude to Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and the state government for their continuous support during the restoration project.

“The newly-constructed Taram Chu steel bridge will not only restore normalcy for the people of Lachen and surrounding areas but also strengthen strategic mobility in this sensitive border region,” the Union minister said. He further commended the Mangan district administration for providing full cooperation to the BRO in executing the project.

Sikkim Welfare Minister and Lachen-Mangan MLA Samdup Lepcha thanked the MoS Defence for inaugurating the much-awaited bridge, noting that North Sikkim had faced immense hardships after the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) and subsequent natural calamities, which had severely disrupted connectivity and daily life.

Heavy rainfall, flash floods, Cyclone Remal in June 2024, and cloudbursts in May-June 2025 had caused widespread destruction in the region, washing away critical infrastructure, including the earlier Taram Chu bridge. The new 400-foot-long bailey suspension steel bridge and the restoration of the 28-kilometre Chungthang-Lachen axis mark a major milestone in post-disaster recovery.

Engineered to withstand high-altitude conditions, seismic activity, and extreme river discharge, the bridge is designed for resilience and long-term durability. Its completion restores a lifeline between Chungthang and Lachen, ensuring smooth movement for civilians and tourists, reliable supply of essential commodities, enhanced disaster response, and strengthened strategic logistics in the border region.