In a commendable display of efficiency and resilience, Indian Army engineers from the Trishakti Corps have swiftly constructed a 70-foot Bailey Bridge on the Dikchu-Sanklang road in Gangtok, Sikkim. The construction, initiated on June 23, was completed within a remarkable 72-hour period despite challenging weather conditions exacerbated by incessant rains and technical constraints.
The bridge, crucial for restoring connectivity to areas severely affected by recent floods in Sikkim, was necessitated by disruptions in road communications caused by landslides and breaches. According to the PRO Defence, Guwahati, the Bailey Bridge at Dett Khola on the Dikchu-Sanklang axis serves as a vital link facilitating vehicular traffic from Dikchu to Sanklang towards Chungthang.
“The recent floods in Sikkim led to disruptions in road communications to many areas in North Sikkim. Responding swiftly, the Army engineers undertook the construction of the Bailey bridge, which will aid in providing essential supplies, including critical medical aid, to the affected people of Mangan district,” stated the PRO Defence.
Mr. Pintso Namgyal Lepcha, State Forest Minister and state secretary of Disaster Management, visited the site on June 27 and expressed appreciation for the Indian Army’s rapid completion of the bridge amid challenging conditions.
Earlier this month, on June 23, the Indian Army also constructed a 150-foot suspension bridge in North Sikkim to reconnect border villages that were cut off due to heavy rains, providing relief to local residents.
The efforts by the Army engineers, supported by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and local administration, underscore their commitment to restoring normalcy and providing essential services in disaster-affected areas of Sikkim.
This swift construction of critical infrastructure highlights the Army’s proactive role in disaster response and relief operations, ensuring that affected communities receive necessary assistance promptly.
Sources By Agencies
