Indian Army Evacuates Over 1,100 Tourists in Sikkim Under Operation HimSetu

New Delhi, April 17, 2026: The Indian Army, in coordination with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and local civil administration, successfully carried out a large-scale evacuation of stranded tourists in North Sikkim under Operation HimSetu.

The operation was launched after a landslide washed away a key road stretch near Taramchu, cutting off access to Chatten and leaving hundreds of tourists stranded in the region. Responding swiftly, Army engineers from the Trishakti Corps mobilised to restore connectivity and facilitate evacuation efforts.

A temporary footbridge was rapidly constructed across the damaged section, enabling safe movement of stranded individuals across the affected area. Despite difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions, the intervention ensured continuity in evacuation operations.

In parallel, teams worked to clear heavy snow at Donkyala Pass to maintain operational access in high-altitude areas. These combined efforts enabled seamless coordination between agencies and ensured safe evacuation logistics.

A total of 1,170 tourists along with 70 motorcycles were successfully evacuated without any reported incidents. The operation highlights the Indian Army’s preparedness in responding to emergencies in remote and challenging 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 critical role in humanitarian assistance and disaster response, reinforcing its capability to act swiftly during natural calamities.