Guwahati, Dec 7: In a striking display of community solidarity and political sentiment, residents near Darjeeling have constructed a bridge over the Tungsung Khola entirely through public contribution—without a single rupee of government funding—and named it ‘Gorkhaland’.
The bridge, which now connects Tungsung Tea Estate with the Dhotrey valley, was inaugurated on Sunday by Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front (IGJF) chief Ajoy Edwards.
Built by 16 local societies with logistical support from the Edwards Foundation and IGJF, the structure has quickly become a symbol of both resilience and regional identity. Residents say the project was completed despite persistent obstacles—from alleged police pressure and supply disruptions to intimidation of community coordinators such as Suraj Tamang.
Edwards, addressing the gathering, said the bridge embodies the “unshakeable will” of the Gorkha people. He called it a tribute to past sacrifices made during the Gorkhaland movement and described it as the “heartbeat of Gorkha identity.”
“The completion of this bridge shows what people’s unity can achieve. If united, Gorkhas can achieve anything,” Edwards said, adding that repeated pleas to the GTA and the West Bengal government for support went unanswered.
Calling the bridge a “victory of people’s power,” Edwards cautioned governments against continued neglect of the region. For residents, the new Gorkhaland Bridge stands not just as infrastructure—but as a message.
