The long awaited 8 km Naga–Toong new cutting road is now nearing completion, after years of disruption caused by the 2023 GLOF disaster and repeated monsoon-triggered damage. The new stretch, constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), is expected to open by the end of December 2025, according to the official Source from BRO.
The main road from Naga to Toong check post was completely destroyed during the 2023 GLOF leaving unstable and frequently disrupted.
Earlier the State Government, under the supervision of Roads and Bridges Minister NB Dahal and Sikkim Tourism Department Chairman Sonam Norgay Lachungpa managed to restore the main route in 2024, the road soon disrupted again due to heavy rainfall and sinking land. Due to which the people of Lachung and Lachen is facing many difficulties till date mainly the Tourism Industry of North Sikkim. Soon after, Minister Dahal directed the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to complete construction of an alternative road as soon as possible.
BRO commenced the construction of the new road on 20 February 2024. However, several challenges delayed progress, including a seven-month protest by local demanding full land compensation. After the issue was resolved, construction hit another setback when falling boulders damaged the main Ritchu bridge at Naga, requiring a complete rebuild.
Despite the hurdles, the project is now in its final stages. Nearly 300 local labourers, seven excavators, and many heavy trucks have been deployed to meet the deadline. Carpeting work is currently underway, and the road is expected to be opened to the public and tourists by the end of December 2025.
Local stakeholder Ram Kumar Dorjee praised the relentless effort of the BRO, ‘They worked day and night continued even during holidays’. He said the new road will surely benefit tourism operators and visitors, reducing the travel time of 3-4 hours of alternative routes via Sankalang–Dzongu–Chungthang to just about one hour.
Meanwhile, DC Mangan, Anant Jain informed that the road to Lachung is currently functional. However, access to Lachen remains under construction. Although major repairs were completed following the 2023 GLOF, heavy rainfall on 3 June 2025 washed away three bridges and swept away 10 Army personnel and their family members in Chhaten. Restoration work has since resumed, and the DC stated that the Lachen road is expected to be fully restored within the next couple of months which further improves the Tourism revival of North Sikkim.
Restoring these routes is crucial not only for civilian movement and tourism but also for national security as North Sikkim is sharing border with China.
