Gangtok: A 400 feet bailey suspension bridge has been installed by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) at Sankhalang on Teesta river, providing a permanent connectivity to the upper Dzonghu.
On the occasion of Army Day, Roads and Bridges Minister Samdup Lepcha inaugurated the suspension bridge at Sankhalang in the inauguration ceremony which was attended by Dzonghu MLA Pintso Namgyel Lepcha, Dzonghu Panchayat and District Head of Mangan.
The Sankhalang bridge was washed away during a flash flood on October 4, 2023, cutting off Dzonghu from the rest of the state. Working in close coordination, the BRO had launched two bailey bridges close to the river bed as a temporary means of connectivity.
However, the Bailey bridge had to be de-launched before the onset of monsoon.
Sensing the gravity of the situation, BRO mobilized its heavy machinery, reserve bridging resources and manpower to install a suspension bridge at Sankhalang to provide year round connectivity to North Sikkim and Zongu area.
The work includes construction of massive river training work to prevent damage to Teesta river banks and bridge abutments, shifting of bridging stores from Tezpur to North Sikkim and 400 feet belly suspension, BRO said in a press statement. Bridge construction is involved.
Defying all odds, the brave workers of BRO worked day and night in double shifts despite the harsh weather and severe cold.
The BRO said the culmination of their efforts was the construction of a 400-feet bailey suspension bridge, including concrete work for the anchorages, in less than three months – a record-setting deadline across the country.
“The prompt and efficient response of the Border Roads Organization stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, reaffirming their commitment towards restoring critical infrastructure under adverse conditions in an earlier time frame. The selfless commitment of the brave workers of Border Roads Organization has earned praise from all quarters and has raised hopes among all, including the Army. The heroic efforts of BRO in such challenging circumstances are exemplary for other agencies,” the release mentioned.
