The government of Sikkim on Friday reviewed preparations for the Sevok–Rangpo Railway Line, a key rail connectivity project for the Himalayan state.
R Telang, Chief Secretary of Sikkim, chaired the meeting at Teesta Lounge. Senior officials from the state government and representatives of Northeast Frontier Railway attended the review.
Officials assessed the progress of the railway project. They also examined preparations for the launch of railway services, which authorities expect to begin in December 2027.
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Transport Department Presents Project Update
During the meeting, M D Bhutia, Special Secretary of the Transport Department, presented the latest update on the project.
He explained the current construction status and outlined the work that departments must complete before operations begin.
Officials emphasised the need for strong coordination between government departments and railway authorities. Such coordination, they said, will help ensure a smooth start to the railway service.
Moreover, participants reviewed several administrative and logistical requirements linked to the project.
Security and Transport Connectivity Discussed
Officials focused on several key issues during the meeting.
First, they discussed security arrangements around stations, tunnels, and other railway infrastructure. Authorities plan to strengthen monitoring systems to maintain safety along the route.
Second, the meeting examined plans to integrate rail services with existing road transport networks. This integration will help passengers travel easily between railway stations and nearby towns.
In addition, officials discussed administrative readiness. Departments will coordinate their roles to support railway operations once services begin.
Major Boost for Sikkim Connectivity
The Sevok–Rangpo Railway Line will significantly improve connectivity for Sikkim.
Currently, the state does not have direct railway connectivity. The new railway line will link Rangpo with Sevok in West Bengal.
As a result, Sikkim will gain access to the broader Indian Railways network.
Improved rail connectivity will also support tourism, trade, and economic development in the region. In addition, faster transportation will benefit residents and visitors travelling to the state.
Senior Officials Participate in Meeting
Several senior officials from the state government and railway departments attended the review meeting.
Among them were Tenzing T Kaleon, Secretary of the Home Department, and Dukpa Sherpa, Principal Chief Engineer-cum-General Manager of the Transport Department.
Other officials included Manoj Rai, Commissioner of State GST, and Binay Pradhan, Additional Chief Engineer of the Transport Department.
Railway representatives also attended the meeting. These included Hitendra Goyal, Chief Administrative Officer (Construction) of Northeast Frontier Railway, and Mohit Joshi, Divisional Operations Manager.
In addition, Pinku Singh, Deputy Chief Engineer (Construction), and Sanjeev Kumar, Chief Engineer (Construction), participated in the discussion.
The meeting also included Mohinder Singh, Advisor to IRCON International Limited, and Senthil K, DIG-cum-Chief Security Commissioner of the Railway Protection Force.
Focus on Smooth Project Implementation
Officials agreed that close coordination will remain essential in the coming years.
Therefore, departments will continue to work together on infrastructure, security planning, and administrative arrangements.
Once operational, the Sevok–Rangpo Railway Line will mark a major milestone in improving transportation and regional connectivity for Sikkim.
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