RMDD to construct 300 metre long suspension bridge connecting Sakyong and Pentong

DZONGU, 29 Oct: The Rural Management & Development Department has proposed to construct a 300 metre long suspension bridge across Ranvim Kyong connecting Sakyong and Pentong in Upper Dzongu, North Sikkim as there are no roads to Sakyong.
The Public Works Department is constructing a road up to Pentong which has reached Bey so far. The 300-metre long suspension bridge will perhaps be the highest suspension bridge in the world, said the Secretary RMDD, DR Nepal while speaking to NOW! at the spot where the proposed suspension bridge is to come up. A joint survey was conducted on 27 October by heads of the departments and the Power Minister, Sonam Gyatso Lepcha along with the panchayat and public of Sakyong and Pentong.
The Secretary directed the concerned engineers to take up immediate survey and further informed that the bridge is estimated to cost around Rs 10 crore. The Sakyong and Pentong villages located on either side of the river are the last villages in the area and there is no road connectivity to these villages.
Power Minister, who is also the Dzongu MLA, requested for the early construction of the bridge. Earlier, the villagers of Sakyong had requested for the construction of a ropeway to reach their village but the department has come up with the more durable solution of a suspension bridge.
The Secretary further informed that once the DPR is prepared a formal bid will be made seeking recognition as the highest bridge in the world. He also added that once the survey is completed the proposal will be placed to the Chief Minister’s office at Mintokgang. Mr. Nepal further urged the concerned department to repair the existing ropeway if the expense is up to Rs 4 to 5 lakh.