Indian Railways Approves Survey for New Melli-Dentam Sikkim Line.

The Ministry of Railways has granted approval for conducting a Final Location Survey (FLS) for a proposed new railway line in Sikkim. The planned line will connect Melli to Dentam, traversing through key locations including Jorethang and Legship.

The survey, which is a crucial step in the development of the new rail corridor, has been sanctioned at an approximate cost of ₹2.25 Crore and will be executed by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). This decision represents a significant advancement in the efforts to extend rail connectivity into the southern and western regions of the Himalayan state.

The proposed railway line is intended to bridge a critical infrastructure gap, providing a vital link between remote towns such as Dentam, situated near the Indo-Nepal border at Chiwabhanjyang, and the national railway network.

According to Railways, the directive for this survey came from the Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, following a proposal and demand presented by the Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Sikkim, Dr. Indra Hang Subba.

During the initial feasibility survey, the new line was estimated to have an approximate length of 75 kilometers. It is envisioned as a strategic extension of the under-construction Sivok-Rangpo railway line, which is tentatively scheduled to become operational by 2027. Melli, currently a key entry point to southern and western Sikkim, is expected to function as a junction for this proposed extension, ensuring seamless integration with the national transportation system.

The Final Location Survey will delve into detailed technical and feasibility aspects required to finalize the project's alignment, engineering design, and cost estimations.

Railways officials stated that this new connectivity project is anticipated to serve as a catalyst for economic growth throughout the region, particularly in Gyalshing and its surrounding areas. The railway link is expected to enhance access, promote tourism, boost trade activities, and generate employment opportunities for the local population.

Once completed, this railway line is projected to significantly improve connectivity, facilitate easier movement of both goods and people, and act as a transformative lifeline for the residents of West Sikkim. Tenders related to the execution of the survey are expected to be floated in the near future.