Mangan: After remaining closed since 2023 due to severe damage caused by a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) and subsequent flash floods, the Toong–Naga road was officially reopened on Thursday, January 1, restoring crucial road connectivity between Mangan and Chungthang after nearly two years.
Briefing the media, Mangan District Magistrate Anant Jain said the road had suffered extensive damage during the June 12–13, 2024 flash floods, following which the area was declared disaster-affected and an FIR was lodged. “The road had to be closed again due to heavy damage. Although it was reopened once around August–September, it could remain operational only for about 15–20 days,” Jain said, adding that the stretch has now been fully restored after structural repairs and slope stabilisation.
During the closure, commuters and tourists were forced to use the Sangkalang–Shipgyer route, which is significantly longer, extremely narrow, and marked by 42 sharp hairpin bends. The alternate route not only posed safety risks but also increased travel time by nearly one and a half hours compared to the Toong–Naga road.
Jain said the latest restoration includes the construction of the Ritchu Bridge, a new bridge completed swiftly by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), along with blacktopping of the road surface. The restored stretch covers around 10–15 kilometres from Manul, after Naga village, up to Theeng Tunnel, and now takes approximately 30 minutes to traverse.
Referring to past safety concerns, the DM said a Bailey bridge exists along the route and that earlier boulder falls from the hill above had made the area vulnerable. “Due to hill cutting and loose boulders, the slope had become destabilised. Over time, with proper cutting and treatment of falling zones, the hill has stabilised and the road is now more resilient,” he said.
A 20-tonne load limit has also been enforced on the stretch based on recommendations from the road construction agency.
Earlier travel was encouraged only in daylight, now there are no time restrictions.
The reopening of the Toong–Naga road has brought significant relief to local residents, transporters, and daily commuters, and is expected to greatly improve mobility and connectivity in north Sikkim, particularly between Mangan and Chungthang.
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