Army Engineers Rapidly Build 70-Feet Bailey Bridge In Flood-Ravaged Sikkim In Just 72 Hours

Engineers from the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps swiftly erected a 70-feet Bailey Bridge on the Dikchu-Sanklang road near Gangtok, Sikkim. This rapid construction effort aimed to restore crucial connectivity severed by recent floods in the region, facilitating access to vital areas isolated due to the natural disaster.

Initiated on June 23 with support from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and local authorities, the construction of the Bailey Bridge at Dett Khola faced daunting challenges including heavy rains and technical complexities. Despite these obstacles, the Army engineers completed the bridge within an impressive 72-hour timeframe. The newly constructed bridge serves as a pivotal link from Dikchu to Sanklang, crucial for transporting essential supplies and medical aid to the affected communities in Mangan district.

Pintso Namgyal Lepcha, State Forest Minister and Secretary of Disaster Management, visited the site on June 27 to witness the bridge’s completion firsthand and commend the Indian Army’s swift response in restoring critical infrastructure amidst the ongoing crisis.

In addition to the Bailey Bridge, on the same day, engineers from the Trishakti Corps also successfully constructed a 150-foot suspension bridge in North Sikkim. This secondary effort effectively reconnected remote border villages that had been isolated by landslides and road breaches caused by the incessant monsoon rains since June 11.

The proactive measures by the Indian Army underscore their commitment to aiding local communities during times of natural calamities, ensuring swift restoration of essential services and connectivity in affected regions.