Sikkim's Chief Minister, Prem Singh Tamang, has put forth an ambitious proposal for a Himalayan Railway Line connecting New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal to Rorathang in Sikkim.
In a recent meeting with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi, CM Tamang outlined the potential benefits of this strategic infrastructure project.
The proposed railway line aims not only to enhance transportation links but also to bolster defense capabilities, ensure continuous food supply year-round, lower costs, and foster local industrial growth.
CM Tamang highlighted these advantages while stressing on the need for improved connectivity in the region.
Additionally, the Chief Minister briefed the Union Minister on the escalating levels of the Teesta River, which have led to severe damage.
He urged immediate action to halt debris dumping and implement effective mitigation strategies to protect the Melli settlement and ensure the safety of its residents during the development of the Sikkim Railways connectivity project.
Sevoke-Rangpo Rail Project
Earlier in May, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) officials reported that approximately 93% of tunneling work for the Sevoke-Rangpo railway project, spanning challenging Himalayan terrain, has been completed.
Initiated in 2009 under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee during her tenure as Union railways minister, the project is slated for completion by next year.
"All activities, including tunnel construction, bridge building, and station yard development, are progressing rapidly to expedite project completion," stated Sabyasachi De, NFR's chief public relations officer.
"Just recently, a breakthrough was achieved in Tunnel Number Four, measuring 3,948 metres with an additional 599-metre evacuation tunnel, near Hanumanjhora in Darjeeling district," CPRO De added.
The tunnel traverses through geologically and seismically sensitive Himalayan terrain.
The Sevoke-Rangpo Rail Project (SRRP) spans 44.96 kilometres from Sivok in West Bengal to Rangpo, featuring 14 tunnels and 22 bridges (including 13 major and nine minor), along with five railway stations: Sivok, Riyang, Teesta Bazar, Melli, and Rangpo.
According to officials, construction of 10 tunnels is complete, with the remaining four in advanced stages of lining work. The project's longest tunnel spans 5.4 kilometres, while the shortest measures 538 metres.
Indian Railways has set an ambitious target of August 2025 for completing the Sikkim Rail-Road Project (SRRP), marking the first railway connectivity between Sikkim and the rest of India.
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