The Ministry of Railways has sanctioned the Final Location Survey (FLS) for the proposed Melli-Dentam railway line in Sikkim.
This strategic 75-km rail corridor aims to link underserved regions of southern and western Sikkim through critical nodes such as Jorethang and Legship, with Melli and Dentam serving as the gateway terminals.The directive, issued to the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) on 8 May, allocates ₹2.25 crore for the preliminary technical and geographical assessments necessary to finalise the alignment and engineering feasibility of the route. This development marks a crucial turning point for the infrastructure roadmap in Sikkim, a state that has historically lagged behind in direct rail access.
This rail initiative is being positioned as a logical extension of the Sevoke-Rangpo railway project, which is already in its advanced stages and expected to bring trains into Sikkim for the first time. The Melli-Dentam stretch is projected to carry forward that momentum, further embedding connectivity deep into the hilly terrains of West Sikkim and closer to the Indo-Nepal border at Chiwabhanjyang.
Once operational, this proposed line is expected to revolutionise access to economic and social infrastructure in the region. It is anticipated to slash travel times, improve mobility, and serve as a lifeline for thousands of residents across remote clusters where road infrastructure is often hindered by weather conditions and terrain instability.
For a state pursuing eco-friendly tourism and sustainable livelihoods, rail connectivity is also expected to shift pressure away from road-based transport, thereby contributing to carbon reduction goals.The project is also expected to generate economic activity, not just during its construction phase but as an enduring economic corridor. Improved logistics will enhance the movement of agricultural produce, support local crafts industries, and encourage investment in hospitality, education, and healthcare sectors. Importantly, the line’s development is in alignment with national goals of mainstreaming the Northeast through inclusive infrastructure growth.
The allocation of survey funds signals a broader shift in policy priorities, with Sikkim increasingly viewed as a strategic node in India’s trans-Himalayan ambitions, both in terms of commerce and border connectivity. With the terrain posing unique technical challenges, the Final Location Survey will play a decisive role in determining the viability of tunnels, bridges, and track gradients critical to this mountainous rail project.In the long run, the Melli-Dentam railway may serve not only as a transport lifeline but as a socio-economic bridge that helps integrate Sikkim’s remote populations into the national development narrative, echoing India’s broader commitment to equitable, green, and resilient infrastructure for the future.
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