Sikkim Railway Project Overview
The long-awaited Sikkim Railway Project is set to fulfill the dream of train travel in the northern state of Sikkim after nearly 49 years of anticipation. The construction of a 45 km railway track, which began in October 2009, has progressed significantly, with completion expected by August 2025. Currently, there are no railway tracks in Sikkim, and the nearest railway station is located outside the state. The Sevok-Rangpo rail project aims to connect Sevok in West Bengal to Rangpo in Sikkim, with the majority of the track situated in West Bengal and only 3 km falling within Sikkim.
Unique Features of the Railway Stations
The project will feature the construction of five railway stations, including the nation’s first underground railway station, which is notable for its design. This underground station, near tunnel number 7, will have a platform length of 620 meters and a total tunnel length of 650 meters, allowing an entire train to fit within it. The railway track will include 14 tunnels, of which 10 are fully prepared, and 22 bridges have been constructed, with 13 classified as large. The longest tunnel measures 5.3 km, while the shortest is 538 meters.
Impact on Tourism and Connectivity
Upon completion of the railway project, travel to popular tourist destinations such as Gangtok and Darjeeling will become significantly easier. The railway line will be located just 21 kilometers from Darjeeling, facilitating convenient access to the hill station. Additionally, the connection to Gangtok will improve, reducing the need for lengthy road travel. The overall project cost has escalated from an initial estimate of 4,000 crore rupees to over 12,000 crores, reflecting the extensive engineering and construction challenges overcome throughout the process.
Important Information Organised For You.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
Sikkim Railway Station |
First train service in Sikkim after 49 years. |
Track Length |
45 km long railway track. |
Completion Date |
August 2025. |
Project Start Date |
October 2009. |
Route |
Sevok (West Bengal) to Rangpo (Sikkim). |
Stations |
5 railway stations to be built, including the first underground station in India. |
Underground Station |
Platform length: 620 meters; Tunnel length: 650 meters. |
Tunnels and Bridges |
14 tunnels (10 fully prepared) and 22 bridges (13 large, 9 small). |
Longest Tunnel |
5.3 km. |
Project Cost |
Increased from 4,000 crore to over 12,000 crore rupees. |
Project Composition |
86% tunnels (38.65 km), 5% bridges (2.24 km), 9% ground (4.69 km). |
Tourism Impact |
Improves access to Gangtok and Darjeeling, only 21 km from Darjeeling. |