Around 800 tourists have been stranded in north Sikkim’s Lachen area after a key road link collapsed, cutting off connectivity even as authorities warned of worsening weather and unsafe travel conditions.
Officials said the disruption occurred after a portion of the road connecting Lachen to Chungthang caved in, leaving tourists stuck and awaiting evacuation.
Road Collapse Cuts Off Lachen
According to the district administration, the collapse took place near the Tarum Chu Bridge along the Lachen–Chungthang route, a critical lifeline in the region.
Following the incident, authorities ordered the temporary closure of the road, effectively isolating Lachen. Tourists have been asked to remain where they are and avoid venturing out, especially during the night, citing safety concerns.
Weather Warning Raises Concerns
Authorities said the situation could deteriorate further, with the weather department forecasting worsening conditions in the coming days.
Given the fragile terrain and already damaged roads, officials have urged extreme caution, noting that travel remains risky in the affected areas.
Rescue Operation Planned
The administration said that, if conditions permit, evacuation efforts will begin from Monday morning.
The proposed rescue route is via Lachen–Dongkya La–Lachung towards Gangtok. Multiple agencies have been mobilised for the operation, including the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), local police and the Indian Army.
Repair Work Underway After Landslide
Officials said road repair and snow clearance work is being carried out on a war footing to restore connectivity along the Lachen–Dongkya La–Lachung–Gangtok route.
The administration, along with the district authorities, police, ITBP, BRO and the Army, is coordinating efforts to expedite rescue and restoration work.
Advisory Issued For Tourists
The administration has urged both tourists and local residents to remain calm and strictly follow official guidelines.
Evacuation will be carried out in phases, depending on weather and road conditions, officials said.
For emergencies, authorities have asked people to contact helpline numbers: 9907956705 and 03592281007.
