Indian Army Triumphs Over Nature: Constructs 70-Foot Bridge in 72 Hours in Flood-Ravaged Sikkim

Heroic Effort Restores Connectivity Amidst Relentless Floods and Landslides

Braving incessant rains and overcoming challenging technical constraints, the Indian Army, with support from the local administration and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), has successfully built a 70-foot-long Bailey bridge in just 72 hours in flood-stricken Sikkim. This remarkable engineering feat will restore vital connectivity and enable the transport of aid and essential commodities to several districts in the northern region of the state.

Since June 11, Sikkim has been grappling with relentless floods and landslides caused by unprecedented heavy rains, devastating key roads leading to North Sikkim. In response to this crisis, the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps, headquartered in Sukna, West Bengal, launched a mission to reconnect isolated areas and restore vital communication and access.

According to PRO Defence, Guwahati, the Bailey bridge was constructed at Dett Khola on the Dikchu-Sanklang axis. Despite challenging weather conditions, the bridge was completed within 72 hours, significantly aiding the transportation of basic necessities, including critical medical aid, to the affected people of Mangan district. The bridge is a crucial link for vehicular traffic from Dikchu to Sanklang towards Chungthang.

The swift construction of this bridge is not an isolated instance of the Army's engineering prowess. Earlier this week, Army engineers constructed a 150-foot-long suspension bridge within 48 hours to reconnect border villages cut off by persistent heavy rains. This rapid response has brought much-needed relief to locals, especially in the wake of massive landslides that claimed six lives and left over 1,500 tourists stranded without mobile network access.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently chaired a high-level meeting to review flood preparedness in the northeastern states, including Sikkim. The Indian Army’s swift and dedicated response underscores its commitment to supporting citizens during challenging times, showcasing remarkable skill and dedication in the face of adversity.

Mr. Pintso Namgyal Lepcha, State Forest Minister and state secretary of Disaster Management, visited the site on June 27 and commended the Indian Army's efforts in completing the bridge promptly. The newly built bridge not only restores normalcy to daily life but also ensures the swift delivery of essential supplies to flood-affected areas, highlighting the Army's unwavering commitment to serving the nation.

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