Sikkim is now getting its first train station: Sikkim is getting ready to improve how things connect. Right now, it’s the only state in India that doesn’t have trains, but that’s about to change. The most recent news says that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will put the first stone for Sikkim’s new train station on Monday, February 26th.
The Deputy Railway Manager of Alipurduar, Amarjeet Agrawal, talked about why the Rangpo station is important for both Sikkim and India. He said the train station will be useful for both tourists and defense. According to the news, the railway project will happen in three parts: first, from Sevoke to Rangpo, then Rangpo to Gangtok, and finally, Gangtok to Nathula.
About Sikkim: Sikkim is now getting its first train station
On May 16, 1975, India officially welcomed Sikkim as its 22nd state, following the abolition of the monarchy. The new Sikkim railway station is an important part of the Sivok-Rangpo railway project, which started in October 2009. This railway line goes about 45 kilometers from Sivok in West Bengal to Rangpo in Sikkim and will include five stations.
Interestingly, Teesta Bazar might be India’s first underground halt station. The railway line will also have four open crossing stations named Sivok, Riyang, Melli, and Rangpo.
Mohinder Singh, the project director, talked about the special characteristics of the Teesta Bazar railway station. India considers Teesta Bazar as the first underground railway station in the broad gauge Indian Railways system. It aims to connect Darjeeling to Gangtok, providing passengers with more convenient travel between the two places.
The Sivok-Rangpo railway project covers a distance of 45 kilometers. It mainly involves building tunnels, bridges, and modifying station areas through cutting and filling. A notable feature of this project is the use of the latest NATM (New Austrian Tunnelling Method) technique for creating tunnels. Tunnels will make up 86% of the total length, while bridges will constitute 5%.
The larger Sivok-Rangpo railway project anticipates a significant advancement with the establishment of the new railway station in Sikkim. It aims to improve connections and make the area more accessible for people. The progress is not just a major accomplishment for Sikkim but will also enhance India’s railway system by introducing new features, such as its first underground railway station.