Sikkim is all poised to undergo a transformation in connectivity. It’s the only Indian state that doesn’t have railway access, and this is soon going to change.
As per the latest news reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the state’s inaugural railway station on Monday, February 26.
Deputy Railway Manager of Alipurduar, Amarjeet Agrawal, highlighted the dual significance of the Rangpo station for Sikkim and India. He explained that the railway station will serve both tourism and defense purposes. If reports are to go by, this ambitious railway project will unfold in three phases: the Sevoke to Rangpo rail project in the first phase, Rangpo to Gangtok in the second phase, and finally, Gangtok to Nathula in the third phase.
Sikkim officially became India’s 22nd state on May 16, 1975, following the abolition of the monarchy.
The upcoming Sikkim railway station will be an integral part of the Sivok-Rangpo railway project, which was initiated in October 2009. Stretching nearly 45 km from West Bengal’s Sivok to Sikkim’s Rangpo, the railway line will have five stations. Notably, Teesta Bazar could be India’s maiden underground halt station. The line will also include four open crossing stations (Sivok, Riyang, Melli, Rangpo).
Mohinder Singh, who is the project director, shed light on the unique features of the Teesta Bazar railway station. Recognised as potentially India’s first underground railway station in the broad gauge Indian Railways system, it will strategically connect Darjeeling to Gangtok, and will be catering to the convenience of passengers traveling between the two destinations.
The Sivok-Rangpo railway project spans 45 km and predominantly features tunnels, bridges, and open cutting/filling of station yards. An outstanding aspect of this project will be the application of the latest NATM (New Austrian Tunnelling Method) technique for tunneling, with tunnels covering 86% of the total length and bridges making up 5%.
Reportedly, the upcoming railway station in Sikkim will mark a significant milestone in the broader Sivok-Rangpo railway project, promising enhanced connectivity and accessibility for the region. The development reflects not only a groundbreaking achievement for Sikkim, but will also contribute to India’s railway infrastructure by introducing innovative elements like its first underground railway station. (TOI)
