PM Modi lays foundation stone for Rangpo railway station

PTI, 26 February 2024 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday laid the foundation stone for Sikkim’s first railway station at Rangpo, and said that its design will draw inspiration from the rich culture, heritage and architecture of the Himalayan state.

It was among the over 2,000 rail infrastructure projects worth about Rs 41,000 crore unveiled by the prime minister.

The design of the Rangpo railway station will draw inspiration from the rich culture, heritage and architecture of Sikkim, the prime minister said in his address via video conference.

Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya was present at Khanikola in Rangpo in Pakyong district where a function was held.

”The foundation stone laying for the Rangpo railway station is a historic and proud moment for Sikkim, underscoring its significance in the context of ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’ and its potential to enhance the tourism sector by offering expedited and convenient travel options,” Acharya said.

He also noted the advantages of the railways during the monsoon, when the NH-10 encounters disruptions.

The railways will be a blessing during such times, enhancing connectivity and reliability, he added.

The station will be a part of the under-construction 45-km rail line from Sevoke near Siliguri in West Bengal to Rangpo in Sikkim. It will have 14 tunnels and 22 bridges.

The track on the Sevoke-Rangpo section of the Northeast Frontier Railway will have the capacity to handle 25 ton and trains can run at a maximum speed of 110 kmph.

There will be three stations between Sevoke and Rangpo — Riyang, Teesta Bazar and Melli, all in West Bengal.

The Teesta Bazar station will be underground.

The project was awarded to IRCON International in May 2010 at a cost of Rs 4,084.69 crore and the original deadline was May 2015. The revised date is now December 2024 with a revised cost of Rs 12,474.07 crore, according to officials.

Agencies : With this introduction, Sikkim will now be connected with a railway line, marking the third mode of transportation for its residents, who have relied on air travel and roads hitherto. 

“Rangpo station is the form of a touristic and defensive point of view for Sikkim and India, Basically, Sikkim did not have a railway line earlier. The government has signed this project in three phases. In the first phase, Sevoke to the Rangpo rail project; in the other phase, from Rangpo to Gangtok; and the third phase, from Gangtok to Nathula,” Deputy railway manager of Alipurduar Amarjeet Agrawal said to ANI. 

With 22 bridges and 14 tunnels in the himalayan geography, the Sivok (West Bengal) - Rangpo (Sikkim) rail project is one of the engineering marvels.

Initially scheduled for completion by 2024, the project’s timeline has been extended to 2025 due to external factors such as floods and landslides, Agrawal added. 

Sevoke-Rangpo rail project 

The Sevoke-Rangpo project is a 45-kilometer-long rail line. Out of 45 km, three and a half km is part of Sikkim and the rest forty-one and a half km is part of West Bengal, project director Mohinder Singh said. Located 26 km away from Siliguri railway station, the redevelopment of Sevoke railway station in West Bengal is also in progress.

Outlining the tunnel aspect of the project, he mentioned that the project has 14 tunnels, 13 major bridges, and 9 minor bridges. The project is sixty to sixty-five percent completed, and from next month we will initiate track work, the project director added. 

“Eighty-six percent of the alignment of this project is in the tunnel, and digging out of the tunnel is challenging work; it’s not easy to dig, because rocks are not too strong. In a month, we dig fifteen meters,” he told ANI.

IPR, Gangtok, 26 February 2024: The Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, virtually inaugurated the redevelopment of 554 Railway Stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and 1,500 Road Over Bridges (ROB)/Road Under Bridges (RUB) projects. The inauguration program at Rangpo was graced by the Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim, Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, marking a transformative milestone in India's railway landscape.

In his address, the Hon'ble Prime Minister extended gratitude to all individuals contributing to the railway construction, recognizing the efforts of technicians, officers, and labourers. He also expressed thanks to the Governors, Chief Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers, Ministers, MLAs, MP’s officers, and the general public in attendance at the program, spotlighting this gathering as an emerging development in Indian history and stating the importance of continued unity in future for the nation's development.

The Hon'ble Prime Minister also highlighted that the design of the Rangpo Railway station will draw inspiration from the rich local culture, heritage, and architecture of Sikkim. Highlighting the collective spirit of India, he expressed that the nation dreams big today and works collaboratively to turn those dreams into reality. This determination of the people of India will play a pivotal role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and enhancing the experience of Viksit Railway.

Addressing the gathering, the Hon'ble Governor conveyed gratitude for the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, attributing to the historic moment under his guidance. The Hon’ble Governor stressed the profound impact of the infrastructure initiatives on the socio-economic landscape of Sikkim, particularly highlighting the transformative potential of the Rangpo Railway Station. He hailed it as a significant milestone, set to act as a catalyst for economic growth and further enhance tourism development.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by monsoons, causing disruptions on NH10 and leading to extended routes and escalated expenses, he conveyed that the railway would be a blessing during such periods. He also added its role as a convenient mode of travel for the people of this region, and the practical benefits for the general populace.

Moreover, the Hon'ble Governor emphasized the railway station's crucial role in boosting Sikkim's organic sector by facilitating the easy transport of organic products across the country. He noted that this would contribute to the progress of rural Sikkim and, consequently, advance the state and the nation.

Describing the railway station as a symbol of unity, the Hon'ble Governor highlighted the railway as a medium for cultural unity and exchange, fostering connections and understanding among diverse communities.

Further, he urged everyone to come together for the realization of the collective dream of a united and developed Bharat @2047.

The Hon’ble Governor unveiled the plaque inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, marking a symbolic moment in the ceremony.

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme aims to elevate the railway station experience with enhanced accessibility, special waiting for Persons with Disabilities and old age people, spacious waiting areas, improved facilities, and the incorporation of modern amenities like lifts, escalators, and free Wi-Fi. It also introduces features such as local product kiosks, executive lounges, and business meeting spaces to enrich the overall travel experience.

Simultaneously, 1,500 Road Over Bridges/Road Under Bridges projects address crucial transportation challenges by eliminating bottlenecks, enhancing safety, and optimizing transportation networks. These projects promise tangible benefits, including reduced congestion, lower pollution levels, and improved travel times, contributing to increased road user comfort and mobility.

The ceremony was attended by Smt Darshana Singh MP (RS) UP, Shri LB Das Minister of Urban Development Department and Food & Civil Supplies Department, Shri D R Thapa MLA, Shri Amar Ajit Gautam Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) along with DC Pakyong, Sr SP Pakyong, SDM Rangpo, Head of Official and Railway Officials.