Sikkim, February 12, 2025 – A Bailey bridge constructed just a year ago over the Teesta River in North Sikkim collapsed on Tuesday, disrupting traffic between Mangan and Upper Dzongu. The incident occurred when an Army Border Roads Organization (BRO) truck crossed the 60-meter-long Sangkalang bridge. Fortunately, the vehicle managed to reach the other side safely before the structure gave way.
The bridge, which connected Mangan and Dzongu in the Mangan district, broke from the middle and plunged into the Teesta River. Built by the Trishakti Corps, the Sangkalang bridge was inaugurated on January 1, this year, replacing an older bridge that was destroyed by the Teesta River in June 2024. The collapse has raised serious questions about the durability and maintenance of critical infrastructure in the region.
A Sikkim government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the collapse has severely impacted connectivity. “The bridge was a vital link for locals and tourists traveling to Chungthang, Lachung, and Lachen in North Sikkim. Now, people will have to take a detour via Phidang, which adds an extra 90 minutes to their journey,” the official said. He added that the Tung Naga road, connecting Chungthang and Mangan, remains operational, providing some relief to commuters.
The Sangkalang bridge was a key route for both civilian and military traffic, particularly for the BRO, which plays a crucial role in maintaining road networks in the region. The collapse has not only disrupted daily life but also highlighted the challenges of building and maintaining infrastructure in the geologically unstable and flood-prone areas of Sikkim.
Local residents and officials are now calling for a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse. “This is not just an inconvenience; it’s a matter of safety. We need to understand why a bridge built just a year ago failed so catastrophically,” said a local resident from Mangan.
The Sikkim government has yet to release an official statement on the incident or outline plans for rebuilding the bridge. However, the collapse underscores the urgent need for robust infrastructure planning and regular maintenance in the region, especially given its vulnerability to natural disasters.
As the state grapples with the aftermath of the collapse, the focus remains on restoring connectivity and ensuring the safety of future infrastructure projects. For now, commuters and tourists must brace for longer travel times and uncertain road conditions in North Sikkim.
