Sevoke–Rangpo Railway Line: Bengal to Host 41.55 km of Sikkim's First Rail Connection
The ₹17,000-crore Sevoke–Rangpo railway project is set to bring a major transformation in connectivity between West Bengal and Sikkim, with 41.55 km of the 44.96-km railway line passing through West Bengal. The project will provide Sikkim with its first-ever railway connection, placing North Bengal at the centre of this significant infrastructure development.
Targeted for completion by December 2027, the railway line will connect five stations: Sevoke, Riyang, Tista Bazar, Melli and Rangpo. Trial runs have already been completed on the Kalijhora–Rambhi section, marking progress towards the project's operationalisation.
Major Engineering Feat in the Eastern Himalayas
The Sevoke–Rangpo railway line is among India's most challenging railway infrastructure projects, given the difficult terrain of the Eastern Himalayas.
Key engineering features include:
- Total route length: 44.96 km
- West Bengal share: 41.55 km
- Project cost: Approximately ₹17,000 crore
- Tunnels: 14
- Bridges: 23
- Underground alignment: Around 86% of the route
- Longest tunnel: Approximately 5.3 km
- Shortest tunnel: 542 metres
One of the project's most notable features will be Tista Bazar, which is set to become India's first underground railway station.
Boost to Tourism, Trade and Regional Connectivity
The railway connection is expected to significantly improve access to Sikkim, one of India's prominent tourism destinations. It will provide an alternative to road-based transportation, improve passenger mobility and make travel between the region and the rest of the country more accessible.
Beyond tourism, the project is expected to facilitate trade, strengthen regional logistics and support economic activity across North Bengal and Sikkim. Its strategic importance is also significant due to the region's proximity to the international border with China.
West Bengal's Role as Sikkim's Rail Gateway
With the majority of the railway line passing through West Bengal, the state will play a crucial role in connecting Sikkim to India's railway network.
The Sevoke–Rangpo project represents an important milestone in the development of railway infrastructure in the Eastern Himalayas, with the potential to strengthen tourism, economic opportunities and strategic connectivity across the region.