In a remarkable display of community effort, residents of Tungsung tea estate and Dhotrey valley have constructed a bridge over Tungsung Khola near West Bengal’s Darjeeling entirely through local contributions,
without government funding.
The bridge, named “Gorkhaland”, was inaugurated on Sunday by Ajoy Edwards, chief of the Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front (IGJF).
Built by 16 local societies, the bridge stands as a symbol of collective will, achieved despite repeated obstruction from authorities, NDTV reported. Locals said the project was completed with support from the Edwards Foundation and IGJF after pleas to the Gorkhaland Territorial Authority (GTA) and the West Bengal government went unanswered, NDTV reported.
Edwards, speaking at the inauguration, stressed the significance of the project for the Gorkha community. He highlighted sacrifices made during the Gorkhaland movement, calling it the “heartbeat” of Gorkha identity. “If united, Gorkhas can achieve anything,” he said, praising the volunteers’ dedication.
According to Edwards, the construction faced multiple challenges, including police threats, supply blockades, and harassment of coordinators like Suraj Tamang. Yet, through voluntary labour and community support, the bridge was completed, with Edwards providing materials to aid the effort.
Residents celebrated the opening as a triumph of resilience, viewing the bridge as proof of people’s power. Edwards said the government should not neglect the region.
