The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has intensified efforts to repair key road stretches in Sikkim, aiming to restore vital connectivity and promote tourism in the region. The repair work on the Gangtok-Chungthang road, particularly an eight-kilometer stretch between Naga and Theng, is progressing swiftly despite challenging weather conditions and rugged terrain, an official reported on November 25, 2024.
This section of the road was severely damaged by the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in October 2023 and a cloudburst in June 2024. The restoration of this stretch is critical, as it will significantly improve travel to North Sikkim and revitalize the tourism industry, which had been greatly impacted by the road’s closure. The BRO has deployed dedicated teams to complete extensive repairs, including formation cutting and the construction of a 180-foot-long bailey bridge.
Additionally, the BRO is focusing on essential surfacing work along the Kalep-Giagong road, a high-altitude route that connects to the popular Gurudongmar Lake near the Indo-China border. These repairs will ensure smoother access for both tourists and armed forces.
The BRO’s efforts are particularly vital as the Gangtok-Chungthang road is a key route to popular tourist destinations like Lachen, Lachung, and Gurudongmar Lake, which draw visitors year-round. With the end of the monsoon season, the BRO has prioritized resurfacing roads in Gangtok and surrounding areas to ensure better driving conditions for locals and tourists alike.
The ongoing work, which continues through harsh weather and challenging terrain, has been widely appreciated by the local community, with workers often extending their shifts into the night to meet deadlines. The BRO’s commitment to restoring connectivity underscores its crucial role in the development and growth of Sikkim.
