Gangtok, March 11: The Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang, on Wednesday highlighted the importance of the Sivok–Rangpo Railway Line Project, describing it as a transformative infrastructure initiative that will significantly improve connectivity, tourism, and economic growth in the Himalayan state.
Speaking during an interaction in Gangtok with a media delegation from Meghalaya visiting Sikkim on a press tour organised by the Press Information Bureau Shillong, the Chief Minister said the project will mark a historic milestone for Sikkim as it connects the state to India’s national railway network for the first time.
Tamang stated that the upcoming railway line will greatly ease travel to the mountainous state, benefiting both residents and visitors while strengthening tourism and economic activity.
The Sivok–Rangpo railway line, being constructed by the Northeast Frontier Railway, will span approximately 45 kilometres through the challenging Himalayan terrain.
The ambitious infrastructure project includes the construction of 14 tunnels and 23 bridges, reflecting the complex engineering work required to build railway connectivity in the region.
According to the Chief Minister, once completed, the railway line will significantly enhance transportation and logistics by facilitating the movement of both passengers and goods. He noted that the project will also help strengthen tourism, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to overall regional development.
Tamang informed the visiting journalists that work on the project is progressing steadily and expressed optimism that the railway line will be completed by 2027, which would help address long-standing connectivity challenges faced by Sikkim, a state that currently relies mainly on road transport.
The Chief Minister further said that the project reflects the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen connectivity and accelerate development across the northeastern region.
He noted that improving infrastructure in remote and border states has been a key priority under the Prime Minister’s leadership, with several road, rail, and air connectivity projects being implemented to integrate the region more closely with the rest of the country.
Tamang emphasised that the Sivok–Rangpo Railway Project will play a crucial role in transforming connectivity in Sikkim while unlocking new economic opportunities and strengthening tourism and regional development in the Himalayan region.
