The Sevoke-Rangpo railway project, a key infrastructure initiative connecting Sikkim to India’s national rail network, is nearing completion, with only 3 kilometers of tunneling work remaining, according to the Ministry of Railways. Meanwhile, the Final Location Survey for the Rangpo-Gangtok rail extension has been sanctioned, a crucial step in preparing its Detailed Project Report (DPR).
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, responding to Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba’s queries, shared updates on the 44-km Sevoke-Rangpo project, which has a projected cost of ₹12,132 crore. As of March 2024, ₹7,032 crore has been spent, with ₹2,330 crore allocated for 2024-25. The project includes 39 km of tunneling, 36 km of which has been completed. It is expected to be operational by the end of 2025, coinciding with Sikkim’s 50th Statehood Year celebrations.
The Rangpo-Gangtok extension, spanning approximately 69 km, aims to connect Sikkim’s capital to the broader rail network. The sanctioned survey marks progress in realizing this vision, with the DPR preparation now underway.
Factors such as land acquisition, forest clearances, utility relocation, geological challenges, and statutory approvals are critical to the timelines and costs of these projects, Vaishnaw noted.
MP Subba welcomed the updates, emphasising the transformative potential of these initiatives. “The Sevoke-Rangpo railway will revolutionize connectivity and boost Sikkim’s tourism and hospitality sectors, positioning the state as a key player in Himalayan development,” he said.
The timely completion of the Sevoke-Rangpo line and progress on the Rangpo-Gangtok extension are seen as milestones in Sikkim’s development journey under Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay’s leadership. These projects are expected to drive economic growth and enhance accessibility in the region.
