Sikkim targets July 15 for Lachen road restoration as long-term fixes loom

Gangtok: The Sikkim government has ordered the restoration of the temporary road to Lachen by July 15 to resolve critical connectivity issues affecting the border village. This decision followed a high-level meeting at Samman Bhawan involving government ministers, Army officials, representatives from the Border Roads Organisation, and local community leaders.

Stakeholders emphasized that the region faces severe challenges due to constant disruptions, which impact national security, tourism, and the daily welfare of residents. The state government is monitoring the situation closely and has already petitioned the Prime Minister regarding these persistent obstacles. Officials are also seeking a formal meeting with the Defence Minister to advocate for urgent intervention.

A newly formed committee will assess the site to propose sustainable long-term infrastructure. Technical experts are currently evaluating the feasibility of constructing a tunnel to ensure a permanent, reliable route for the area. These efforts follow mounting public frustration, recently amplified by local residents who highlighted the ongoing risks they face while traveling despite the federal Vibrant Villages Programme.