National, 15th April 2026: In a remarkable display of coordination, resilience, and engineering excellence, the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and local civil administration, successfully carried out a large-scale evacuation of stranded tourists under Operation HimSetu in North Sikkim.
The operation was launched in response to a landslide that washed away a crucial stretch of road north of Taramchu, cutting off access to Chatten and leaving hundreds of tourists stranded in the region. Demonstrating rapid response capabilities, the Indian Army Engineers—Trishakti Sappers—mobilised immediately to restore connectivity and ensure the safe evacuation of civilians.
A key highlight of the operation was the swift construction of a temporary footbridge over the damaged road section. This critical intervention enabled safe passage across the affected area, allowing evacuation teams to move efficiently despite challenging terrain and weather conditions.
In addition to the engineering efforts, teams worked tirelessly to clear heavy snow accumulation at Donkyala Pass, ensuring continued access and operational mobility in high-altitude conditions.
Through meticulous planning and seamless coordination among all agencies, a total of 1,170 tourists and 70 motorcycles were evacuated safely and without any incident. The operation stands as a testament to the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster response, particularly in remote and high-risk environments.
A spokesperson from the Indian Army stated, “Operation HimSetu reflects our core ethos of service before self. The swift mobilisation of our troops, engineers, and support units, in close coordination with BRO and civil authorities, ensured that every stranded individual was brought to safety without incident. We remain committed to standing by civilians in times of crisis, especially in challenging terrains like North Sikkim.”
The successful execution of Operation HimSetu underscores the Indian Army’s preparedness and capability in responding to natural disasters, reinforcing its role as a dependable force not just in defence, but also in humanitarian relief and rescue operations.
