Finally, there would be a train to Sikkim.
With completion of the final phase of the long awaited ambitious and challenging project of Indian Railways by December next year, the new rail line coming under Northeast Frontier Raliway will connect Sevoke in North Bengal with Rangpo, the town on Sikkim border along the Teesta river at a distance of 45 kilometres.
While Sikkim got air connectivity just two years ago, having a rail link with the rest of India continues to be a distant dream for its people. So far, National Highway 10 has been the only means of commuting by the common people with the rest of the country.
The rail route – that will be an engineering marvel and a rare treat for the eyes of the commuters – will pass through the treacherous terrain of the Kanchenjunga mountain range and the vast Teesta river valley.
Of the 45 kilometre broad gauge link, more than 80 per cent of the track will pass through 14 tunnels and 13 bridges. The longest of the channels measures nearly two kilometres.
The route would have five stations – Sivoke, Riyang, Teesta Bazar, Melli and Rangpo.
Upon completion of this first phase of this North Bengal-Sikkim rail project, the second phase would be extended to Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, with stops at Singtam, Nimtar, Nandok and Bhusuk.
The entire project would cost about Rs. 40,000 crores.
Besides boosting economy and tourism of Sikkim in a big way, the rail link assumes much importance for India’s defence system for its strategic location – with China, Nepal and Bhutan sharing border with Sikkim.
