Tourists stranded in North Sikkim get bridge to safety via Sanklang Bailey route

Tourists stranded in the Lachen and Lachung regions of North Sikkim will be evacuated via the alternative Sanklang Bailey bridges route, at Sankalang, Dzongu.
 

The move comes after massive landslides at Munshithang—triggered by continuous heavy rainfall—severely blocked the main roadways on April 24, stranding over 1000 tourists.

 
Mangan District Collector Anant Jain informed that the alternative route is being mobilized to safely bring back the stranded tourists. Also present at the site are Superintendent of Police (SP) Mangan,  Sonam Detchu Bhutia, and District Project Officer (DPO), DDMA, Karma Dorjee Wazarlingpa, who are overseeing the relief efforts.
 

In light of the worsening weather and hazardous travel conditions, the Sikkim Police’s Permit Cell has suspended all tourist permits for North Sikkim until further notice. The announcement was made on April 24 and takes effect from April 25.
 

The advisory highlights that major landslides have rendered the Lachen-Chungthang road at Munshithang and the Lachung-Chungthang road at Lema/Bob impassable. Although the road to Chungthang remains open, authorities have warned against night travel due to continuing rainfall and the potential for further landslides.
 

“In view of the present situation, no permits will be issued for tourists planning to travel to North Sikkim,” the Permit Cell stated. It also confirmed that any permits issued for April 25 stand cancelled.
 

Authorities are urging visitors to avoid travel to affected areas and cooperate with emergency personnel as efforts continue to ensure the safe return of all stranded tourists.