Border Road Organisation responds swiftly to restore road connectivity to North Sikkim

The monsoon season is when nature awakens from a long slumber and regenerates. However, Sikkim experiences constant rain from May through September, with July being the wettest month of all. Around 600-700 mm of rain fall here each month, but the last week’s nonstop rain has had a negative impact on daily life for the locals.

On July 14, landslides and several breaches at Raphangkhola and Lanthakhola on the Gangtok to Chungthang road eliminated road communications to North Sikkim. Due to this, villagers and visitors to the Lachen and Lachung valleys were unable to travel. In Lachen and Lachung valley, more than 1400 tourists and 130 automobiles were trapped. Emergency services and the supply of necessary supplies were also negatively impacted. For a significant contingent of Army personnel stationed on the Line of Actual Control in North Sikkim, the road’s opening was both urgent and crucial.

The Quick Reaction Teams were activated, two excavators, and a wheel dozer were deployed, and the Karamyogis of Project Swastik methodically and quickly met the challenge. 160 selfless BRO members bravely toiled day and night in dreadful conditions to reestablish the crucial road connectivity. In collaboration with the State administration and Army, the task was completed on a war footing. The BRO Karamyogis’ unwavering efforts let the road to open in a record-breaking three days.