BL reported that vice president of India laid the foundation stone for the broad gauge railway line between Rangpo in Sikkim and Sevoke of West Bengal at Sikkim Mining Ground triggering dreams of seeing the Indian Railways flag flying at the Nathu La border post.

Dr Hamid Ansari said that “This is a significant milestone in providing rail connectivity for Sikkim.” The function was attended by Ms Mamata Banerjee Union Railways Minister, Mr BP Singh Sikkim Governor and the Mr Pawan Chamling chief minister of Sikkim.

The rail project is estimated to cost INR 1,339.48 crore and is scheduled to link Sevoke in Siliguri with Rangpo in East Sikkim with a broad gauge rail spanning 52.7 kilometer.

Five stations have been proposed Raing, Gielkhola, Teesta Bazaar, Melli and Rangpo. There will be 100 bridges with four manned level crossings along the track.

Altogether 13 tunnels will be constructed for the project, with the longest tunnel being 1,814 metres. Final location survey is in progress to fix the alignment of this route and work out detailed estimate of the project.

This will provide the first ever rail link to Sikkim. Indian Railway Construction Company Ltd, a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, is entrusted with the execution of the project, which is targeted to be completed in five years.

(Sourced from Business Line)