wb-cabinet-clears-land-transfer-for-sivok-rangpo-rail-link

The West Bengal Cabinet has approved the transfer of 20 acres of government land in Jalpaiguri district to facilitate the long-pending Sivok–Rangpo railway project, a move expected to accelerate work on the strategic rail link connecting Sikkim with the national railway network.

 

According to sources at Nabanna, the state secretariat, the land is located in the Nagrakata area of north Bengal. It will initially be transferred to the Forest Department, which will subsequently hand it over to the concerned authorities for use in the railway project.

 

Officials said the decision is aimed at removing administrative hurdles and speeding up pending infrastructure work associated with the project.

 

Speaking after the Cabinet meeting on Thursday, minister Dilip Ghosh said the decision had been taken to strengthen connectivity between North Bengal and Sikkim.

 

“This railway project is of immense importance. The Cabinet has decided to transfer the land specifically to speed up infrastructure development,” he said.

Also read: Sikkim to join national rail network by 2027, confirms CM

The Sivok–Rangpo railway project is regarded as one of the most significant infrastructure initiatives in the eastern Himalayan region. Once completed, it will provide Sikkim with its first direct rail connection to the Indian Railways network through West Bengal.

 

The project, being executed by the Ministry of Railways, involves the construction of several tunnels, bridges and mountain tracks across challenging terrain.

 

Railway officials expect the line to substantially reduce travel time to Sikkim while improving passenger connectivity and freight movement. The project is also expected to provide a boost to tourism, trade and economic activity in the region.

 

Given Sikkim’s strategic location along India's northern border, the rail link is considered important from both developmental and connectivity perspectives.

 

Officials described the Cabinet’s decision as a crucial administrative step towards ensuring the timely execution of the project, which has long been viewed as vital for improving transport infrastructure in the region.