Raksha Rajya Mantri Opens Chungthang Lachen Road & Taram Chu Bridge in Sikkim

Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth inaugurated the restored Chungthang-Lachen Axis and the 400 ft Bailey Suspension Taram Chu Bridge in North Sikkim on the 26th February, 2026. These critical infrastructure assets were rebuilt by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) after multiple natural disasters severely damaged connectivity. The restoration marks a major step in rebuilding the region following devastating cloudbursts in 2025, Cyclone Remal in 2024 and the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood in 2023.

Key Highlights of Chungthang-Lachen Axis Restoration

• The 28 km Chungthang-Lachen Axis has been fully restored to reconnect remote areas of North Sikkim.
• The restoration comes after severe damage caused by cloudbursts (May-June 2025), Cyclone Remal (June 2024) and the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (October 2023).
• Under Project Swastik, BRO cleared 96 landslides along the route.
• Engineers completed 8 km of fresh formation cutting to rebuild unstable mountain stretches.
• Multiple diversions were created to bypass sinking and vulnerable zones.

The reopening of the Chungthang-Lachen Axis ensures smooth movement for local residents, tourists, and security forces. It strengthens border infrastructure and supports economic revival in North Sikkim.

Major Features of the Taram Chu Bridge

• A 400 ft Bailey Suspension Taram Chu Bridge constructed by BRO.
• Replaces infrastructure damaged by floods and landslides.
• Designed for quick deployment in difficult terrain.
• Enhances all-weather connectivity in North Sikkim.

A Bailey Bridge is a type of portable, pre-fabricated truss bridge widely used by the Indian Army and Border Roads Organisation in mountainous and border regions. The new Taram Chu Bridge plays a vital role in restoring uninterrupted access to Lachen and nearby strategic areas.

BRO’s Massive Post-Disaster Recovery Under Project Swastik

The restoration of the ChungthangLachen Axis and Taram Chu Bridge is part of BRO’s large scale recovery under Project Swastik.

• Cleared 96 landslides across affected routes.
• Constructed four major bridges.
• Repaired two additional bridges.
• Previously reopened the 7.5 km Naga Toong stretch in October 2025.

These efforts demonstrate BRO’s engineering strength in extreme Himalayan conditions. The Border Roads Organisation continues to play a key role in strengthening infrastructure in sensitive border states like Sikkim.

Atmanirbhar Sikkim and Strategic Importance

During the inauguration, the Raksha Rajya Mantri stated that these projects align with the ‘Atmanirbhar Sikkim – Viksit Bharat Vision’ of the Chief Minister of Sikkim.

The restored Chungthang–Lachen Axis and Taram Chu Bridge will,

• Improve access for local communities.
• Boost tourism in North Sikkim.
• Strengthen defence logistics near the border.
• Support trade and economic activities.

Infrastructure development in North Sikkim is strategically important due to its proximity to international borders and challenging terrain.

About Border Roads Organization (BRO)

• The Border Roads Organization (BRO) was established in 1960 to develop and maintain road networks in India’s border areas.
• It functions under the Ministry of Defense.
• BRO executes projects in difficult terrains including the Himalayas, deserts and remote northeastern states.
• Project Swastik is one of BRO’s projects responsible for infrastructure development in Sikkim and parts of West Bengal.
• The organisation is known for rapid post-disaster restoration and strategic road construction in border regions.

Question

Q. The Chungthang-Lachen Axis restored by BRO is located in which state?

A) Arunachal Pradesh
B) Uttarakhand
C) Sikkim
D) Himachal Pradesh