The Indian Army has launched ‘Operation Him Setu’ to rescue more than 1,000 tourists stranded in North Sikkim after multiple landslides and a bridge collapse severed road connectivity to Lachen, officials said on Thursday.
The crisis unfolded after a key road stretch and a newly built bridge near Tarum Chu collapsed under the impact of heavy storms and persistent snowfall, cutting off the main route between Lachen and Chungthang. The bridge, inaugurated in February, reportedly gave way within weeks, worsening the situation in the high-altitude region near the India-China border.
The Army’s Trishakti Corps, operating under Eastern Command, began evacuation efforts on Wednesday. By Thursday, 135 tourists had been safely rescued in a phased operation, with priority given to those with medical emergencies.
Defence spokesman Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said the evacuation was being carried out under extreme weather conditions. “So far, 135 tourists have been safely evacuated, along with 32 light vehicles and 10 motorcycles,” he said, adding that nearly 1,000 tourists remain stranded in Lachen.
To facilitate movement across damaged stretches, Army engineers have installed a temporary walkable bridge at the collapse site. Troops have also opened critical mountain passes and activated alternate routes, enabling evacuation despite heavy snowfall and treacherous terrain.
“Trishakti Corps continues to spearhead evacuation efforts despite heavy snowfall and extreme weather. 135 tourists have been safely evacuated, with medical cases given priority,” the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
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Army vehicles are being used to tow civilian vehicles across steep, snowbound sections, while teams on the ground are providing medical assistance and logistical support. Among those rescued was an 80-year-old ailing person.
Officials said evacuees are being transported onwards to Gangtok, the state capital, as operations continue.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working in coordination with the Army, undertaking continuous snow clearance and road restoration. However, connectivity for heavy vehicles remains blocked, and communication with parts of Lachen has been disrupted.
Civil authorities are assisting with logistics and medical aid, while monitoring the situation closely. A state government official confirmed that multiple landslides have severely affected movement in the region, which has been experiencing prolonged spells of inclement weather, including frequent snowfall and storms.
“Our foremost priority is the safety and well-being of every citizen. Our teams remain committed to providing all necessary assistance on the ground,” an Army official said.
With adverse weather conditions persisting, officials said the evacuation will continue in phases until all stranded tourists are brought to safety.
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