Gangtok, 1st January: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has formally reopened the Naga-Toong road stretch in North Sikkim, restoring an important link that was badly damaged during the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in October 2023.
The disaster had cut off several areas and disrupted the movement of essential supplies for months. After continuous and challenging work, BRO has rebuilt around eight kilometres of single-lane road. The project also included the construction of a 180-foot Triple Double Reinforced Extra Wide Bailey Bridge at Ritchu.
Officials said the work was carried out in difficult conditions, with unstable slopes, frequent bad weather and multiple sinking zones. Despite these challenges, the reopening of the road has restored a vital lifeline for local residents, security forces and economic activities in the region.
The restored road is expected to reduce travel time and improve access to healthcare, education and tourism in North Sikkim. Authorities have put temporary safety measures in place and advised motorists to follow speed limits and traffic instructions, especially near the Ritchu bridge, as monitoring will continue during winter.
The dedication of BRO personnel, who worked late into the night in risky conditions despite heavy rainfall and landslides, has been widely appreciated by local residents. Their efforts ensured that the road was reopened for traffic within six months.
