Governor inspects Sevoke-Rangpo railway project’s progress

GANGTOK, : Governor Om Prakash Mathur on Saturday conducted an inspection of the ongoing Sevoke-Rangpo Railway Line Project, Khanikhola, Rangpo under Pakyong district and reviewed the ongoing progress work, which holds strategic importance.

A Raj Bhavan press release informs that the Governor was accompanied by Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba, Pakyong DC Rohan Agawane, and officials from Pakyong district administration.

During the visit, the Governor engaged in discussions with senior railway officials of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) to assess the ongoing railway development project in the state.

In a brief meeting, NFR officials made a detailed presentation on the current status of the project.

The general manager, NFR (construction), Arun Chaudhary and chairman & managing director, IRCON International Limited, Hari Mohan Gupta, briefed the Governor in detail on the ongoing development works of the project and highlighted other impediments which hampering project progress.

The Governor said that the Sevoke-Rangpo railway project will contribute to the growth of the tourism sector in the State. Additionally, he mentioned that the project will play a vital role in national security, promote industrial growth, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the State and nation as well.

He urged the NFR officials to maintain infrastructure quality, safety, and timely completion in the construction work.

The Governor noted that this reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong commitment to improving infrastructure and connectivity in the NE region to the rest of the nation.

This 45 kilometres long Sevoke-Rangpo railway project is one of the crucial connectivity projects for the Northeastern region that will connect the Himalayan state Sikkim with the national railway network. In the 45-km stretch, 41.5 km falls under West Bengal State and 3.5 km falls within Sikkim where construction of 14 tunnels and 23 bridges in the final stages of completion.

The Governor also appreciated the dedication and efforts made by the officials and staff associated with the project and expressed hope that the project will be completed within the stipulated time, the Raj Bhavan release mentions.

Meanwhile, Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba added that the Sevoke-Rangpo railway line is progressing steadily and stands as a significant milestone towards bringing Sikkim onto the national railway map. This vital connectivity will greatly enhance our border State’s integration with the rest of the country, he said.

“During the visit, senior officials from IRCON International Ltd. and Northeast Frontier Railway briefed us on the current status of the project, as well as future prospects, including extension of the rail line from Rangpo to Gangtok. The Railways Ministry is also actively considering the possibility of expanding the railway link to Dentam in West Sikkim from Melli point via Jorethang,” shared Indra Hang.

The Lok Sabha MP acknowledged the proactive support of the Government of Sikkim, under the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay. The State government has extended full cooperation at every stage of this transformative project, he said.

“Once completed, the Sevoke-Rangpo railway line will bring immense benefits to Sikkim like strengthening connectivity, boosting tourism, facilitating trade, and contributing to the State’s economic development, while also enhancing national security,” said Indra Hang.