Foundation stone laid, Theng tunnel still awaits work to begin

MANGAN, 31 May: Construction of the 600-metre tunnel proposed by the Border Road Organisation [BRO] to negotiate the Theng slide-zone [pic above] on the Chungthang-Mangan axis is yet to begin. The proposed tunnel will bypass the notorious zone at Theng Bhir where a number of accidents have been reported in the past. Several vehicles have been crushed and many people have lost their lives while negotiating this slide. This section has worsened since the 18 September earthquake with the only solution being a tunnel through the slip zone.
After the 18 September earthquake, large portions of the cliff have developed cracks posing even greater threat to vehicles crossing the spot now. People of North Sikkim had welcomed the proposal of a tunnel here as a good initiative but are still waiting for construction to commence. This route is one of the life lines of North District which links the district with the border areas.
It may be recalled here that the Chief Minister had laid the foundation stone for the said tunnel during his visit to North Sikkim last year in the presence of senior BRO officials. The people of North district contend that they are yet to see any sign of work by the BRO on this spot and want the tunnel work to be expedited.