The Ministry of Railways has approved a Final Location Survey (FLS) for a proposed 75-kilometre railway line connecting Melli to Dentam via Jorethang and Legship in Sikkim.
This initiative, sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹2.25 crore, aims to enhance rail connectivity in the southern and western regions of the state. The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) will execute the survey, which is a critical step towards integrating remote areas like Dentam, near the Indo-Nepal border, into the national railway network . The proposed Melli-Dentam line is envisioned as a strategic extension of the under-construction Sivok-Rangpo railway line, which is expected to be operational by 2027. Melli, a key entry point to southern and western Sikkim, is likely to serve as a junction for this extension, ensuring seamless integration of the region into the national transportation system .
The FLS will provide detailed technical and feasibility insights necessary to guide the final alignment, engineering design, and cost estimation for the project. This development is anticipated to act as a catalyst for economic growth in the region, especially in areas like Gyalshing, by enhancing access, promoting tourism, boosting trade, and creating employment opportunities . Currently, Sikkim has limited rail access, and this project marks a significant step forward in expanding the state’s transportation infrastructure. Once completed, the railway link will significantly improve connectivity, enabling easier movement of goods and people, and serving as a transformative lifeline for the people of West Sikkim
Work tenders related to the execution of the survey are … , with the survey’s findings guiding the subsequent phases of the project. The initiative aligns with the broader objectives of enhancing regional connectivity and fostering socio-economic development in the northeastern states of India .
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