In a swift and coordinated rescue effort, the Indian Army, along with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and local civil administration, successfully evacuated over 1,170 stranded tourists under Operation HimSetu in North Sikkim following a landslide disruption. The operation was launched after a landslide washed away a key road stretch near Taramchu, cutting off access to Chatten and leaving hundreds stranded. Acting promptly, Army engineers from Trishakti Corps mobilised resources and constructed a temporary footbridge across the damaged section, enabling safe passage in difficult terrain and adverse weather.
Simultaneously, teams cleared heavy snow at Donkyala Pass to restore mobility in high-altitude conditions. Officials confirmed that 1,170 tourists and 70 motorcycles were evacuated safely without any casualties. An Army spokesperson said the mission reflected the force’s “service before self” ethos, highlighting seamless coordination with BRO and civil authorities to ensure zero casualties.
The swift evacuation has brought relief to tourism-linked businesses in Gangtok, where hotel operators and transporters had reported cancellations amid the disruption. With connectivity restored, stakeholders expect tourist inflow to stabilise, boosting local trade and hospitality sectors in the coming days.