PM Modi lays foundation for Sikkim's first railway station

GANGTOK: Sikkim received a significant infrastructure boost as Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the state's inaugural railway station, Rangpo Station on Monday (February 26) ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in the state.

According to deputy railway manager of Alipurduar - Amarjeet Agrawal, Rangpo station holds immense significance from both a tourist and defensive perspective for Sikkim and India.

Sikkim, which previously lacked a railway line, is set to benefit from the project, which is being implemented in three phases.

The first phase encompasses the Sevoke to Rangpo rail project, followed by the extension from Rangpo to Gangtok, and finally, the route from Gangtok to Nathula.

Agrawal highlighted that the introduction of railway connectivity marks the third mode of transportation for Sikkim residents, who have predominantly relied on roads and air travel.

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Originally slated for completion by 2024, the project faced unforeseen challenges such as floods and landslides, extending its deadline to 2025.

Beyond enhancing transportation infrastructure, the project holds strategic importance in bolstering India's defence preparedness along the Sikkim-China border, particularly amid ongoing border tensions with China.

This initiative follows the railways' ambitious undertaking of the 200 km Bhalukpong-Tenga-Tawang railway line in Arunachal Pradesh, which is considered a high-priority project due to its strategic significance in connecting to the China border.

The construction of the railway line is poised to facilitate the rapid transfer of heavy military equipment and artillery, offering a significant strategic advantage.

It is expected to substantially reduce the time required for troop movement between locations, thereby enabling prompt responses during emergencies.