India’s northeastern connectivity, Sikkim is set to welcome its first railway line by 2027, according to an announcement made by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.
Speaking at the Discover Rabong Cho-Dzo Festival 2025, the Chief Minister confirmed that the under-construction railway line from Siliguri’s Sevok in West Bengal to Sikkim is progressing steadily and will be operational within the next two years. The project, long viewed as critical for unlocking the economic and tourism potential of the Himalayan state, is now entering its final stretch of execution. Once completed, the railway line will redefine travel for thousands of residents and tourists who currently depend solely on road transport through challenging mountainous terrain. The direct rail connectivity is poised to not only reduce travel time but also enhance the sustainability of transport in the region. By providing a viable alternative to carbon-intensive road traffic, the railway is a step towards a greener, more inclusive model of mobility. For a landlocked and fragile ecology like Sikkim’s, this infrastructure represents both a logistical and ecological milestone.
Further boosting internal movement, Chief Minister Tamang also announced the planned construction of a critical new highway link from Melli to Singtam. This stretch is expected to improve travel within the state, acting as a spine connecting the lower foothills to Sikkim’s central belt. In addition, he stated that upgrading efforts along National Highway 10—the lifeline between Siliguri and Gangtok—are making significant progress. Once fully developed, the improved highway could reduce travel time between the two hubs to just two hours, transforming accessibility for locals, medical emergencies, and tourists alike. Meanwhile, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), under whose jurisdiction this region falls, has ramped up infrastructure works across its network. From April 2024 to March 2025, the NFR completed the construction of 11 Road Over Bridges and 26 Road Under Bridges across the region. These structures not only increase the efficiency of railway operations but also enhance safety by removing level crossings that often disrupt road traffic and risk accidents. A total of 28 manned level crossings were eliminated using a combination of bridges, subways, and closures—ushering in a more secure environment for both rail and road users.
According to Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer of NFR, these upgrades reflect collaborative efforts involving the National Highways Authority of India, state governments, and multiple construction and railway divisions. The objective is to future-proof transport in the Northeast by reducing congestion, increasing rail line capacity, and accelerating passenger and goods movement in one of India’s most ecologically sensitive zones. While these projects aim to bridge physical distances, they also carry the promise of economic and social upliftment. Better infrastructure tends to bring in investments, support local businesses, and provide livelihood opportunities for communities living in remote districts. With rail and road networks rapidly advancing, Sikkim could soon be a model for sustainable mobility in high-altitude regions—where transport equity and ecological balance must go hand in hand.
Sikkim Infrastructure Push Gains Momentum
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