Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the foundation stone laying ceremony for Sikkim’s inaugural railway station in Rangpo, emphasizing its design to reflect the state’s rich culture and heritage. This event marked the commencement of over 2,000 railway infrastructure projects valued at approximately Rs 41,000 crore.
PM Modi Inaugurates Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony for Sikkim’s Rangpo Railway Station
Addressing the gathering via video conference, the Prime Minister highlighted the railway’s significance, particularly during the monsoon season, when disruptions on NH-10 occur. He stressed that the railways will bolster connectivity and reliability during such times.
The Rangpo railway station will be an integral part of the ongoing 45-kilometer rail line project from Sevoke in West Bengal to Rangpo in Sikkim, featuring 14 tunnels and 22 bridges. This section of the Northeast Frontier Railway will accommodate trains with a capacity of 25 tons and allow speeds of up to 110 kmph. Additionally, three stations—Riyang, Teesta Bazar, and Melli—will be established between Sevoke and Rangpo, with the Teesta Bazar station positioned underground.
Initially awarded to IRCON International in May 2010 with an estimated cost of Rs 4,084.69 crore and a deadline of May 2015, the project’s completion is now expected by December 2024, with a revised budget of Rs 12,474.07 crore.
