Gateway to Sikkim’s Hidden Gems Bailey Bridge Reopens, Restoring Life and Tourism in North

The path to North Sikkim’s untouched beauty is open again — the Bailey bridge over the Teesta River at Sangkalang has been restored and is now open to traffic.

North Sikkim has regained a vital lifeline as the Bailey Bridge over the Teesta River at Sangkalang has been reopened to traffic, bringing much-needed relief to residents and a fresh wave of tourists to the region’s scenic and cultural heartland.

The bridge, reconstructed by the Indian Army’s 72 Engineer Regiment of the Trishakti Corps, was inaugurated on Thursday. Spanning 180 feet and capable of bearing up to 24 tonnes, the new structure replaces the previous bridge that collapsed on February 11, disrupting the crucial link between Mangan and the remote Dzongu region.

The collapse had severely affected the movement of people and the flow of essential supplies, isolating entire communities in North Sikkim for over two months. Braving challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions, the Army engineers completed the bridge in record time, ensuring minimal disruption to civilian life.

With the Sangkalang bridge now functional, connectivity between Mangan, Dzongu, and Chungthang has been fully restored. This revival is expected to significantly boost tourism in popular destinations like Lachung, Lachen, and Chungthang, which draw visitors year-round for their natural beauty and cultural significance.

Grateful residents have lauded the Indian Army’s swift and efficient efforts, noting the bridge’s reopening as a turning point for the region. Civilian movement has resumed, and tourism activity is already picking up pace — a welcome sign of economic and social revival for North Sikkim.

Once again, the gateway to Sikkim’s serene and lesser-known treasures is wide open — and the world is ready to explore.