Centre Approves Final Survey for New Sikkim Railway Line.

The Railway Ministry has approved the final location survey for a new railway line in Sikkim, set to connect Melli to Dentam via Jorethang and Legship. This decision, announced in an official statement on Saturday, marks a significant stride towards enhancing rail connectivity in the southern and western regions of the Himalayan state.

The survey, which is crucial for determining the final alignment, engineering design, and cost estimates for the project, has been approved at a cost of ₹2.25 crore. The execution of the survey will be carried out by the Northeast Frontier Railway. Tenders for the survey work are expected to be floated shortly.

The proposed new line, initially estimated to be approximately 75 km in length during the feasibility survey phase, is envisioned as a strategic extension of the under-construction Sivok-Rangpo railway line, which is slated to become operational by 2027.

The route is designed to bridge a crucial infrastructure gap, linking remote towns such as Dentam, situated near the India-Nepal border at Chiwabhanjyang, directly with the national railway network. Melli, a key entry point to southern and western Sikkim, is anticipated to serve as a junction point for this new extension, ensuring seamless integration into the national transportation system.

According to the official statement, this new connectivity project is expected to be a catalyst for economic growth in the region, particularly in Gyalshing and surrounding areas. By improving access, the railway line is anticipated to boost tourism and trade, while also generating employment opportunities for the local population.