DC (north sikkim) : Old Rang Rang Bridge to be preserved as a heritage site

photo: Old&New Rang Rang Bridge

RANG RANG (North Sikkim), August 08: If the buzz is to be believed, the existing Rang Rang Bridge, notably the oldest bridge in Sikkim, which connects Gangtok to the North District, was suppossed to be dismantled soon but it may not be now, DC North Sikkim T.N.Kazi on behalf of state government has requested BRO to consider preserving it as heritage site of Sikkim in view of its importance in past and its unique history as second highest suspension bridge in Asia.
Now next to it is the newly constructed double lane cantilever concrete bridge class 70, which was inaugurated by Lieutenant General KS Rao, PVSM, SC, SM, Director General, Brother Roads Organisation (BRO) and Colonel Commandant, Madras Sappers in the presence of TN Kazi, District Collector, North Sikkim TN Kazi, here yesterday.

The newly inaugurated bridge will now replace the existing single lane bailey suspension bridge for all traffic purposes.

The Director General, BRO, while addressing the gathering, stated that the newly inaugurated bridge will now meet the requirement of increased traffic and at the same time will provide impetus to the development of North Sikkim.
The construction of the bridge has been possible due to the hard work of the men from the BRO and also with the support provided by the local administration and the state government, he added.

Meanwhile, the North District Collector while expressing his gratitude to Director General of BRO for having enabled the local populace of North Sikkim to avail of another infrastructural development, urged the DG not to dismantle the old Rang Rang bridge but to preserve it as heritage site for tourists to marvel at the structure and at the same time added that the people of North Sikkim has emotional attachment with the bridge. He also urged the DG for the earliest restoration works at Laasuney and Namok Khola which otherwise has been harshly affected by the monsoons.