Lesson For Nepal From Sikkim : Connectivity To Lachen Restored After 3 Years Of Deadly Flood

The vital road stretch near Taramchu Bridge in North Sikkim was reopened to the public on Saturday after four months of renewed disruption, restoring a crucial link to Lachen and bringing relief to residents, transporters and tourism stakeholders. Social Welfare Minister and Lachen-Mangan MLA Samdup Lepcha inaugurated the reconstructed road stretch in the presence of Mangan District Collector Anant Jain, Project Swastik Chief Engineer Brigadier Amit Sakhre, GREF officials and local representatives. A brief religious ritual was also held at the site. The road had earlier been restored on February 26, 2026, following extensive damage caused by the October 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). However, the route was cut off again on April 5 after a major formation failure washed away nearly 30 metres of the road. Restoration work began on April 18 and continued for four months amid monsoon rains, rockslides, difficult terrain and challenging geological conditions. Expressing gratitude to the Border Roads Organisation and GREF personnel, Lepcha said the reopening would provide much-needed relief to the people of Lachen. “The people of Lachen have faced a lot of difficulties because of the repeated disruption of this road. The reopening will bring relief to local residents, transporters, hoteliers and everyone dependent on tourism.” He also thanked the Lachen Dzomsa and local community for their cooperation during the restoration. “The work was carried out under very difficult conditions, and it is commendable that it was completed without any loss of life. I thank the BRO, GREF personnel, Lachen Dzomsa and the local people for their cooperation.” Lepcha said the government would continue to work towards maintaining connectivity to Lachen despite the recurring impact of natural calamities. The technical challenges involved in restoring the road were significant, according to Project Swastik Chief Engineer Brigadier Amit Sakhre. “On April 5, there was a major formation failure and nearly 30 metres of the road was washed away. We immediately started restoration work, and for four months the work continued continuously despite the monsoon and other challenges.” Sakhre said the geological conditions made the work particularly demanding. “This is predominantly a hard-rock area. We had to undertake controlled blasting and use specialised techniques because the damaged portion was very close to critical structures, including the bridge abutment and an anchor block.” Additional vulnerabilities were identified during the restoration itself. “During the final stages, we detected major cracks behind the road and underneath the bridge abutment. Because of this, we had to undertake additional slope-stabilisation work.”