Now Sikkim by rail, the train will reach Nathu La for the first time after crossing the uphill and downhill hills.

Think once! A glittering train runs along the lap of Kanchenjunga. Gray clouds are leaning over the mountain slopes. And touching that cloud your train is moving towards the destination. Sevak to Rangpo. What dreams seem? No, not a dream. This time the train will reach Nathu La on the India-China border after crossing the hills. Indian Railways recently started the final survey or ‘Final Location Survey’ of the railway line from Gangtok to Nathu La. Those who are thinking of going to Sikkim this time, take them away. Not only that the cost of tourism will decrease. You can roam around as per your own time. Rail network is being developed in Sikkim to provide special arrangements for tourists.

The long wait is over. Sikkim (Rail Project in Sikkim) is about to conquer the difficult topography of the Himalayas and make a place on the railway map. According to railway sources, the survey of about 35 km long railway from Rangpo to Gangtok has already been completed. Preparation of Detailed Project Report or DPR is now underway. Pending approval of that plan, preparations have begun to take the line a step further to Nathu La. Situated at an altitude of about 4000 meters above sea level, this border area is of strategic and tourist importance. If the survey report gets a green signal, construction can begin within the next two years.

The train whistle on the hilly roads of Sikkim is now only a matter of time. The train system from Sevak to Rangpo will be launched by March 2027. The 45 km long route will have five stations — Sevak, Riang, Teesta Bazar, Melli and Rangpo. This journey from West Bengal to Sikkim by rail will be thrilling. 14 tunnels and 13 big bridges have been cut through the mountain. This task is quite a challenge for the engineers of Ircon International. At present, the construction of the tunnel is almost completed. The line page will start very soon.

So far, Sikkim is the only state in India without an operational rail network. If there are landslides or adverse weather conditions during monsoons, travel from Siliguri to Gangtok becomes difficult. That picture will change radically when the train starts. In addition to the convenience of tourists, the transportation of goods will also speed up. If rail connectivity up to Nathu La is strengthened, logistics will be much easier to reach the border. Tourist centers like Changu Lake or Baba Mandir will also come within reach of common man.