Northeast Desk, 24th May: The Sivok-Rangpo Rail Project (SRRP), a pivotal infrastructural development, is poised to revolutionize connectivity for Sikkim by offering a reliable alternative to the often-unstable National Highway 10. This strategic rail link is expected to significantly enhance Sikkim’s integration with the rest of India, fostering economic growth and improving accessibility to the Northeastern state.
The SRRP spans over 45 km from Sivok near Siliguri to the border town of Rangpo, involving remarkable engineering feats, including 14 tunnels, 17 major bridges, and five stations. Notably, the project includes an underground station at Teesta Bazaar in Kalimpong district, marking a significant milestone in Indian rail infrastructure.
Initially estimated at Rs 4,085 crore in 2015, the project’s budget has been revised to approximately Rs 12,132.95 crore. Despite the budget increase, substantial progress has been made, with all tunnel mining activities completed and 13.13 km of tunnel lining finished. Lining work continues in several tunnels, including T-02, T-03, T-05, T-06, T-07, T-10, T-11, and T-12, as the project advances towards its new deadline of August 2025.
The SRRP is more than just a transportation project; it is a lifeline for Sikkim. It promises to provide a reliable and permanent alternative to NH 10, which has been plagued by maintenance issues and frequently disrupted by landslides and natural calamities, affecting the movement of people and goods. The rail link is expected to mitigate these issues, ensuring stable and continuous connectivity for the state.
The project’s completion is anticipated to bring about transformative changes, enhancing economic activities and accessibility while safeguarding against the frequent disruptions that have long hindered Sikkim’s connectivity. As the SRRP moves closer to realization, the promise of a more connected and prosperous Sikkim becomes ever more tangible.