Historically, Sikkim has lacked an Indian Railways network.The government has undertaken this project in three phases: initially from Sevoke to Rangpo in the first phase, then from Rangpo to Gangtok in the second phase, and finally from Gangtok to Nathula in the third phase.
Rangpo railway station: Top facts about Sevoke-Rangpo railway project
- During his virtual address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that the design of the Rangpo railway station would be inspired by Sikkim’s rich culture, heritage, and architecture.
- The forthcoming station will be integrated into the ongoing 45-kilometer railway line stretching from Sevoke near Siliguri in West Bengal to Rangpo in Sikkim. This line will comprise 14 tunnels and 22 bridges.
- Amarjeet Agrawal, Deputy Railway Manager of Alipurduar, told ANI that the establishment of the Rangpo station holds significance from both a tourism and defence standpoint for Sikkim and India.
- According to Amarjeet Agrawal, this initiative represents the third mode of connectivity for the people of Sikkim, who have relied primarily on road and air travel thus far.
- Originally slated for completion by 2024, unforeseen circumstances such as floods and landslides have led to an extension of the project timeline until 2025,” added the DRM Alipurduar.
Rangpo railway station: Proposed design
Project director Mohinder Singh told ANI that Sevoke serves as the starting point for the Assam link project, situated 26 kilometers from Siliguri railway station. The Sevoke-Rangpo project spans 45 kilometers, with 3.5 kilometers falling within Sikkim’s territory and 41.5 kilometers within West Bengal.
He further said that the project encompasses fourteen tunnels, thirteen major bridges, and nine minor bridges. Currently, completion stands at sixty to sixty-five percent, and the plan is to soon commence track work starting next month.
Singh highlighted the challenges faced during the project, stating that eighty-six percent of the alignment traverses through tunnels, and tunnel excavation presents significant challenges due to the fragile nature of the rock. Typically, fifteen meters per month are excavated.
Rangpo railway station: Proposed design
The Sevoke-Rangpo railway project will also be beneficial in comparison to the disruptions often encountered on NH-10 during monsoon.
The track on the Sevoke-Rangpo segment of the Northeast Frontier Railway will be capable of accommodating 25-ton loads, with trains capable of operating at a maximum speed of 110 kmph.
Between Sevoke and Rangpo, there will be three stations situated in West Bengal: Riyang, Teesta, and Melli.