Sikkim, the picturesque haven nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, is poised to embark on a transformative journey with the introduction of railway connectivity, marking a significant milestone in its transportation landscape. Deputy railway manager of Alipurduar, Mr. Amarjeet Agrawal, emphasized the pivotal role of the newly established Rangpo station, stating its importance from both a touristic and defensive perspective for Sikkim and India.
Mr. Agrawal elaborated on the comprehensive three-phase project undertaken by the government, encompassing the stretch from Sevoke to Rangpo, followed by Rangpo to Gangtok, and culminating in the final phase from Gangtok to Nathula. This monumental initiative represents a pivotal advancement for Sikkim, introducing railways as the third mode of transportation for its residents, who have hitherto relied solely on roads and air travel.
Initially slated for completion by 2024, the project’s timeline has been extended to 2025 due to unforeseen challenges such as floods and landslides. However, progress continues unabated, with the ongoing construction showcased in a video shared by news agency ANI, underscoring the tunnel aspect of the endeavor.
Sikkim, distinguished as the sole Indian state without a railway station, has long awaited integration into the national rail network. Instead, it has relied on road connections, primarily through NH10, facilitating transportation across the country.
The Sivok-Rangpo railway project, a monumental undertaking, embodies several noteworthy features:
- The foundation stone was laid in West Bengal’s Sivok and Sikkim’s Rangpo on October 30, 2009, by the Minister of Railways and the Vice President of India, respectively.
- Spanning a total length of 44.96 km, the project comprises a significant portion of tunnels (86%), bridges (5%), and open cutting/filling of station yards (9%).
- Notable features include 14 tunnels, ranging from the longest at 5.30 km to the shortest at 538 meters.
- The proposed railway line will incorporate five stations, including Sivok and Rangpo, along with four open crossing stations and one underground halt station.
- Employing the latest NATM (New Austrian Tunnelling Method) technique, the project demonstrates innovative engineering solutions.
Furthermore, the project introduces India’s first underground railway station at Teesta Bazar, slated to revolutionize transportation infrastructure. Mr. Mohinder Singh, the project director, emphasized the significance of this underground station, particularly in facilitating convenient travel between Darjeeling and Gangtok.
As the project nears completion, Sikkim anticipates a new era of connectivity and development, fostering socio-economic growth and enhancing accessibility for its populace.
