Operation HimSetu: Army Completes High Risk Rescue in 48 Hours Near India-China Border

Indian Army has launched the Operation HimSetu to rescue over the 1,400 stranded tourists and locals in North Sikkim. This incident was triggered by massive landslides and the sudden collapse of the newly built bridge near Lachen and this crisis has disrupted the connectivity in this region. Despite the extreme weather conditions with including heavy snowfall near the India-China border Indian Army’s rescue teams have carried out the well coordinated evacuation within 48 hours in the most challenging terrain of the country.

Operation HimSetu: Rescue Mission in Extreme Conditions

Operation HimSetu which is the the rescue operation was led by the Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army under its Eastern Command.

The mission successfully evacuated the 1,321 tourists and 84 local residents.

All evacuations of the citizens were completed in an incident free and swift manner within the 48 hours while facing the harsh weather and difficult terrain situation.

Rescue teams of Army’s have worked continuously on the ground and it ensures that the medical emergencies were prioritized and all the individuals were moved safely.

What Triggered the Crisis in North Sikkim

The situation was arise because of the massive landslides and relentless snowfall and which led to the,

Collapse of the newly constructed bridge near the Tarum Chu.
Also the severe damage to connecting roads to that part.
And also the complete disruption of accessesibility to Lachen region in Sikkim.

The bridge had been inaugurated two months ago in February 2026 but the extreme weather conditions caused it to collapse within just month which highlight the fragility of the most difficult terrain..

Army’s On-Ground Response and Infrastructure Support

Indian Army have implemented immediate solutions to tackle the crisis.

Temporary Bridge Construction

• Indian army personnel has made the temporary walkable footbridge and allowing stranded individuals to cross safely.

Evacuation Logistics

• Several Army vehicles have transported people from crossing the points.
• Also the civilian vehicles were towed across the difficult terrain.

Relief and Support Centres

• In this evacuation the reception centres were also set up to provide the food and shelter, medical assistance and the emergency care.

The operation was carried out in coordination with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the civil administration and which worked simultaneously on the,

• Snow clearance
• Road restoration
• Connectivity repair