23 hours Ago By Sentinel Digital Desk
The Ministry of Railways has informed the Parliament that the Final Location Survey for the Rangpo-Gangtok railway line project has been approved, enabling the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR). Additionally, only three kilometers of tunneling remain to complete the long-awaited Sevoke-Rangpo rail link. Indra Hang Subba, the only Lok Sabha MP from Sikkim, had asked Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw about the expected completion date and cost details for the Sevoke-Rangpo project.
He also inquired whether the centre had received or prepared a proposal to extend the Rangpo railway line to Gangtok, the state capital of Sikkim. In his written response to the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, the Railway Minister stated that the estimated cost of the Sevoke-Rangpo (44 km) railway project is Rs 12,132 crore. As of March 2024, Rs 7,032 crore has been spent, with an additional Rs 2,330 crore allocated for 2024-25.
The tunneling of 36 km out of 39 km of the Seveko-Rango Project has already been completed. The Railway Minister stated in response that the progress of railway projects depends on various factors, such as land acquisition by the state government, forest clearance, relocation of utilities, approvals from authorities, and the geological and topographical conditions of the area. Law and order issues may also impact the timeline and cost.
It is confirmed by the minister that the final survey of the Rangpo-Gangtok railway line (69 km) has been approved. MP Indra Hang Subba welcomed the clarity provided by the Railway Minister and expressed optimism that the Sevoke-Rangpo railway link will be completed and operationally by 2025, coinciding with Sikkim's 50th Statehood Anniversary. Indra Hung stated that “Sikkim is poised to enter its Golden Decade of development and progress under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay.
The timely completion and inauguration of the Sevoke-Rangpo railway link will serve as a transformative catalyst, propelling Sikkim’s growth, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors.”.
