Gangtok: In a significant boost to infrastructure development in the state, the Railway Ministry has given its nod for the final location survey of a new railway line in Sikkim. This ambitious project will connect Melli, a crucial entry point to the southern and western parts of the state, with Dentam, a remote town situated near the India-Nepal border at Chiwabhanjyang, traversing through Jorethang and Legship.
The crucial survey work will be undertaken by the Northeast Frontier Railway and has been sanctioned with a budget of ₹2.25 crore. This development signifies a major stride in the efforts to extend rail connectivity to the hitherto underserved southern and western regions of Sikkim, promising to bridge a vital infrastructure gap.
The envisioned railway line, with an initial estimated length of approximately 75 kilometers based on the preliminary feasibility study, is strategically planned as an extension of the ongoing Sivok-Rangpo railway line project, which is anticipated to become operational by the year 2027. Melli is poised to become a key junction, facilitating seamless integration of this new route with the national railway network.
The final location survey is crucial as it will furnish comprehensive technical and feasibility data, which will be instrumental in determining the definitive alignment, engineering design, and accurate cost assessment for this transformative project.
This new connectivity initiative holds immense potential to catalyze economic growth across the region, particularly in Gyalshing and its adjoining areas. By significantly improving accessibility, the railway line is expected to provide a substantial impetus to tourism, invigorate trade activities, and generate valuable employment opportunities for the local populace. According to a statement released on Saturday, the tenders for the execution of this vital survey are expected to be issued in the near future.
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