The Bailey bridge over the Teesta River at Sangkalang in North Sikkim’s Mangan district collapsed on February 11, 2025. This bridge, constructed in October 2023 by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) following a glacial lake outburst flood that destroyed the previous structure, was crucial in connecting Mangan, the district headquarters, with the Dzongu region.
The collapse occurred as a BRO vehicle was traversing the bridge; fortunately, no injuries were reported. The incident has once again disrupted connectivity between Mangan and Dzongu, posing challenges for residents and affecting the movement of essential goods and services.
In response to the collapse, the Mangan district administration has advised tourists to utilize the Phedang route via Dikchu as an alternative pathway. Additionally, the administration announced that permits for tourists intending to visit North Sikkim would not be issued on February 12, 2025. Efforts are underway to evacuate stranded individuals through the alternative route via Shipgyer.
This incident underscores the vulnerability of infrastructure in the region, which has been grappling with the aftermath of natural disasters. The October 2023 glacial lake outburst flood had previously caused extensive damage, necessitating the construction of the now-collapsed Bailey bridge. The recurrence of such events highlights the need for durable and resilient infrastructure solutions in Sikkim’s challenging terrain.
The state government, in collaboration with central agencies like the BRO, is expected to initiate immediate measures to restore connectivity. This may involve the rapid deployment of temporary bridging solutions and the planning of more permanent structures capable of withstanding the region’s environmental challenges.
The local population, already accustomed to the region’s geographical and climatic adversities, now faces additional hardships due to the disruption of essential connectivity. The administration’s prompt advisories and efforts to establish alternative routes aim to mitigate the impact on daily life and ensure the safety and well-being of both residents and visitors.
As Sikkim continues to navigate these challenges, the focus remains on building resilient infrastructure and implementing effective disaster management strategies to safeguard against future incidents. The collaboration between state authorities, central agencies, and local communities will be pivotal in achieving sustainable solutions for the region’s infrastructural needs.
