Arun Kumar Upreti inaugurates Bailey bridge in Dentam, also opens Begha village administrative centre

Rural Development minister Arun Kumar Upreti inaugurated a long-span Bailey bridge constructed over Dentam Khola in West Sikkim. The bridge was built under the Maneybung-Dentam constituency, where Dentam and Geyzing residents have long requested improved connectivity across the river.

Bridge built under PMGSY to improve travel and access

The bridge has been constructed at a cost of Rs. 2.11 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). With the bridge now operational, it is expected to support safer and smoother transportation for people travelling to and from Dentam-linked areas and to reduce barriers to reaching nearby services.

Upreti said the new bridge is important for strengthening access to government services for residents in the region. He also referred to the priority given to public infrastructure in Sikkim, linking the current push to the state leadership’s approach of planning projects based on public needs. The minister highlighted that infrastructure work is meant to help people directly.

Begha village administrative centre inaugurated

Later, Upreti also inaugurated a village administrative centre at the rural Begha Gram Panchayat Unit. In his address, he congratulated the people of Dentam for the new infrastructure and spoke about the value of public facilities that serve local needs. He stressed that such projects should meet high quality standards and said he was pleased with the work completed at the Begha administrative centre.

Area MLA Sudesh Kumar Limboo thanked the state government for recognising the need for development in Dentam. He said the initiatives in Maneybung-Dentam would benefit local residents and contribute to broader progress in the area. Upreti also discussed West Sikkim’s tourism prospects, saying the sector has potential and needs effective management and community participation.

Upreti further informed the gathering about the upcoming gram panchayat election. He said he had a meeting with higher authorities of the Department of Panchayati Raj and that the party would clarify its position in the coming days.