GUWAHATI: Known for transforming some of the country’s most inhospitable terrains into lifelines of connectivity, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has once again showcased its technological prowess and precision in project execution. In the rugged and strategically significant landscape of Sikkim, the BRO has delivered a remarkable feat of engineering, demonstrating how advanced technology and timely implementation can together create critical infrastructure even in the most challenging conditions.
Raksha Rajya Mantri, Sanjay Seth, on February 26, inaugurated the restored Chungthang – Lachen axis and 400 feet Bailey Suspension bridge at Taram Chu Bridge, ensuring much-needed connectivity to North Sikkim. Border Roads Organisation (BRO) restored the critical Lachen Axis connecting North Sikkim, thereby marking a major milestone in post-disaster recovery efforts following the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) of October 2023, Cyclone Remal in June 2024 & the devastating cloud bursts in May/ Jun 2025. The catastrophic cloud bursts last year had badly damaged the critical road link, cutting off communities and disrupting the movement of essential supplies for months.
After sustained engineering efforts across challenging terrain and inclement weather, Project Swastik of Border Roads Organisation, led by Brig Amit Sakhre, worked day and night on the Lachen Axis to clear 96 landslides, constructed four major bridges, repaired two bridges and created numerous diversions, including fresh formation cutting of eight kilometres in treacherous terrain, in order to restore Lines of Communication. It is the relentless pursuit of the Border Roads Organisation, which also resulted in opening the 7.5 km Naga-Toong stretch in October 2025, providing vital connectivity to North Sikkim.
The Herculean task of opening the Lachen axis is a testament to the organisation’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and ensuring the development of the region. The project demanded round-the-clock execution due to unstable slopes, frequent weather disruptions and multiple sinking zones. The reopening restores a lifeline for residents, security agencies and economic activity in the region. It reflects the resilience of our engineers and the cooperation of local communities.
The 400-feet-long Taram Chu Bridge and 28 km-long Chungthang-Lachen road are a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen connectivity in North Sikkim, said Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence. “We are committed to continuing our support for the development of this region and ensuring the well-being of its people.” The Minister of State for Defence expressed his heartfelt appreciation towards Border Roads Organisation for their selfless public service in the region.
The inauguration of these vital road connectivity assets is a major step towards the Chief Minister of Sikkim’s pledge towards “Atmanirbhar Sikkim- Viksit Bharat Vision”, said Lt. Col Mahendra Rawat, Defence PRO, Guwahati.
