Phidang Bailey Bridge Damaged in North Sikkim

The Bailey bridge at Phidang, Dzongu, a crucial link for tourists and locals traveling to North Sikkim, has been damaged, raising concerns over connectivity and safety. The General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF), tasked with maintaining the bridge, has been criticized for the slow pace of repairs. Despite repeated appeals, the Ministry of Defense (MOD) has yet to take decisive action to accelerate the process.

The damaged bridge has left residents and travelers with limited options, as only one backup road maintained by the Roads and Bridges Department is currently operational. This road was initially intended as a temporary solution when other routes were blocked. Residents have expressed frustration over the lack of urgency in fixing the bridge, highlighting the strategic importance of maintaining smooth access to North Sikkim, a sensitive border region.

The public has called for immediate intervention to restore the bridge and improve infrastructure maintenance to prevent further disruptions in the future.