The ambitious 44.96-km Sevok-Rangpo railway project, which will provide Sikkim with its first railway connectivity, is targeted for completion by December 2027, officials said.
The railway line, being constructed through the challenging terrain of the eastern Himalayas, is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Sikkim and the rest of the country while facilitating the movement of passengers and goods.
Mohinder Singh, Advisor to the project, said around 90 per cent of the project work has been completed. He said construction of the first tunnel station at Teesta Bazar is nearing completion, while work on all five stations under the project is progressing at different stages.
The project involves the construction of several tunnels through the mountainous terrain. The longest tunnel is approximately 5.3 km, while the shortest measures around 542 metres.
Once completed, the Sevok-Rangpo railway line is expected to boost tourism, trade and economic activity in Sikkim by providing faster and more efficient rail connectivity to the state.
The foundation stone for the project was laid on October 30, 2019, with the ceremony held at Rangpo by the Vice President of India and at Sivok by the Railway Minister.
The project is being viewed as a major infrastructure initiative for strengthening connectivity and integration in the northeastern region.
