26 June 2021 - BRO Strengthening Sikkim Bridge by Bridge (E)
In this two-part series of Science for a Self-Reliant India which focuses on science and technology and how it is translated on the ground level, we travel extensively to the picturesque Himalayan state of Sikkim with the Border Roads Organization, part of the Ministry of Defense and the Indian Army. India’s north-eastern state of Sikkim is blessed with rich biodiversity from breathtaking alpine landscapes to subtropical climates and also the worlds 3rd highest mountain peak Khangchendzonga. Each climate and topographical features in turn poses significant challenges to the engineers of the BRO who have to ensure that roads and bridges in this strategic state, which borders the Tibet Autonomous Region are accessible throughout the year to our troops stationed at some of the highest and frigid altitudes in the world. In this episode we take an up and close look at how India’s forces are working to build and upgrade roads and bridges in Sikkim under project 'Swastik' of the Border Roads Organization from innovative technologies to upgrade size and load capacity of bridges, how new materials and construction techniques are being applied to stabilize sinking zones in the mountains. We also travel to Munshithang in North Sikkim where the BRO has built a 360 feet bailey suspension bridge over the Teesta River in a record time of 4 months after the original 180 foot bridge was washed away after a cloud burst and the resultant flash flood. The importance of improving infrastructure in the North East of India especially in the border states cannot be overstated as it not only leads to economic opportunities for the local population but also our countries military preparedness and strength. This and much more on Science for a Self-Reliant India only on India Science.
