Rail Link to Rangpo, NH-10 Alternative, and Sikkim’s Path to Progress

S.T. Tamang

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor,

I am writing to highlight the importance of extending railway services from Sevoke in West Bengal to Rangpo, and eventually further into strategic border areas and other parts of Sikkim. This project, currently under construction on a war footing, has immense potential to boost the state's economy while significantly supporting national defense interests. The railway extension will not only improve connectivity but also stimulate economic growth, generate employment, and enhance access to regional markets.

I sincerely commend our Hon’bleLokSabha MP, Shri Indra Hang Subba, for actively pursuing the Central Ministry to expedite this vital infrastructure project under the guidance of our visionary Chief Minister, Shri P.S. Tamang (Golay). This initiative is well-aligned with the Chief Minister’s broader vision of building a prosperous and peaceful Sikkim.

At the same time, the chronic congestion and frequent disruptions on NH10—Sikkim’s sole arterial highway—underscore the urgent need for an alternative route. This need becomes particularly critical during the monsoon season, when landslides often sever road connectivity, causing immense hardship to the people of Sikkim and Kalimpong (West Bengal). A parallel highway would not only ensure uninterrupted access but also support long-term resilience and disaster preparedness.

I would also like to applaud the recent establishment of the Institute for Transforming Sikkim (ITS), a multidisciplinary think tank that promises to play a transformative role in shaping the state's development policies. This initiative is yet another reflection of the Chief Minister’s commitment to making Sikkim self-reliant and future-ready.

Yours etc,

S.T. Tamang

Ex-Special Secretary

Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim