After 15 major and 18 minor bridges were damaged and several including portions of National Highway 10 got washed away in Sikkim due to the flash floods, Talong MLA GT Dhungel who is also the Advisor, Road and Bridges department of Sikkim, has called for a fresh approach to bridge construction in the hill state and urged the Centre to focus on building a robust road network in the state that shares border with China. Dhungel emphasized the critical importance of enhanced connectivity in the region, considering its strategic location connecting India to China through the international border in Sikkim.
“I want to appeal to the Government of India to prioritize Sikkim. China’s connection to India passes through Sikkim, and as the international border aligns with the state, it’s imperative that we give it top priority. Road connectivity is very important and without it, everything is baseless, as it facilitates the transportation of armed personnel and machinery to secure our nation’s borders. Without robust connectivity, our defence efforts are compromised,”
Dhungel highlighted the existing challenges, explaining, “Just across the border in China, the road infrastructure is robust, with landing strips every 10 kilometres. However, in Sikkim, there’s a noticeable lack of such infrastructure. In the event of any crisis, the country is in danger, and we must consider the national interest. The Government of India should treat this matter with utmost seriousness, as the absence of proper connectivity can risk our defence capabilities. Whether it’s through road, railway, or airways, we need to explore all avenues as Sikkim currently lacks these alternatives. We have only one airport, which is often affected by adverse weather conditions, and the sole transportation medium is NH-10, which is currently in deplorable condition. We’ve had road disruptions for 10-15 days, and it’s high time we find alternative routes.”
Furthermore, Dhungel suggested innovative approaches to address these challenges, saying, “The ongoing construction of a railway tunnel presents an opportunity to build a road alongside it, utilizing new technologies. This would facilitate better connectivity from Sevok to Gangtok.”
Dhungel also emphasized the need for riverbed protection, stating, “We must consider the installation of wire ducts along riverbeds. Without proper embankment protection, bridges are at risk, homes get washed away, and people lose their lives due to it, which is why it demands immediate attention. National safety and security are paramount concerns that must not be overlooked. Proper planning for bridge construction, identifying stable alignments, and utilizing cutting-edge technology are crucial for long-term safety.”
Dhungel urged the Central Government to extend its support and called for comprehensive surveys and investigations to pave the way for enhanced infrastructure development in Sikkim, ensuring the safety and security of the nation.
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