The suspension bridge will reconnect areas cut off in north Sikkim. The suspension bridge was launched over waters flowing at speeds exceeding 20 knots, and the entire project was completed in less than 48 hours.
A 150-foot suspension bridge across a flowing river in north Sikkim was built by Indian Army engineers in less than 48 hours, despite the fact that parts of Sikkim are still cut off due to severe rainfall.
The bridge has brought much-needed respite to the local community affected by the extreme weather by reestablishing communication to border settlements cut off by persistently high rains. The entire project was finished in less than 48 hours. The suspension bridge was launched over waters speeds exceeding 20 knots.
“The construction of the bridge was carried out under exceptionally challenging conditions. Despite the adverse weather and fast-flowing waters, the Indian Army engineers demonstrated their unparalleled technical proficiency,” a press statement issued by the Ministry of Defence said.
Over 1200 tourists were left trapped in north Sikkim last week as a result of landslides brought on by extremely heavy rain. One of the worst environmental catastrophes to ever strike Sikkim occurred in October 2023 when the Teesta III hydroelectric dam collapsed due to a glacial lake outburst flood. The event claimed over 100 lives and impacted thousands more. One of the deadliest climate-related disasters to hit the continent last year, according to the World Meteorological Organization’s “State of the Climate Asia 2023” report released in April 2024, was the flooding.
“The Indian Army’s proactive measures in North Sikkim underscore its resolve to support and protect the local population, reaffirming its role as a pillar of strength in times of need. The Trishakti Corps will continue to monitor the situation and provide all necessary assistance to ensure the safety and security of the affected areas,” the Ministry’s press statement said.
