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irse
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India
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 Posted - 10/31/2009 : 01:12:21
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http://www.thehindu businessline. com/2009/ 10/31/stories/ 2009103151742300 .htm
Rangpo (East Sikkim), Oct. 30
The Vice-President, Dr Hamid Ansari, today laid the foundation stone for the broad gauge railway line between Rangpo (Sikkim) and Sevoke (West Bengal) at Sikkim Mining Ground, Rangpo, 40 km from Gangtok, triggering dreams of seeing the Indian Railways’ flag flying at the Nathu La border post.
“This is a significant milestone in providing rail connectivity for Sikkim,” said the Vice-President at the function, attended by the Union Railways Minister, Ms Mamata Banerjee, the Sikkim Governor, Mr B.P. Singh, and the Chief Minister, Mr Pawan Chamling.
The rail project is estimated to cost Rs 1,339.48 crore and is scheduled to link Sevoke in Siliguri with Rangpo in East Sikkim with a broad gauge rail spanning 52.7 km.
Five stations have been proposed – Raing, Gielkhola, Teesta Bazaar, Melli and Rangpo. There will be 100 bridges with four manned level crossings along the track.
Altogether, 13 tunnels will be constructed for the project, with the longest tunnel being 1,814 metres. Final location survey is in progress to fix the alignment of this route and work out detailed estimate of the project.
This will provide the first ever rail link to Sikkim. Indian Railway Construction Company Ltd, a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, is entrusted with the execution of the project, which is targeted to be completed in five years.
Survey for new lines
Meanwhile, in accordance with the Railways’ policy of providing rail link to all the capitals of the Northeastern States, Railway has carried out a reconnaissance survey to bring Gangtok on the railway map of the country.
Another survey to provide rail connectivity from Mirik to Gangtok is in progress.
Minister’s assurance
Ms Banerjee said at the function, “The rail link project between Sevoke and Rangpo is a difficult task but we can do it. If we can do such projects in Jammu and Kashmir, we can set up rail tracks in similar difficult terrains such as Sikkim, Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh.”
The Union Minister said that the Sevoke-Rangpo rail link would later be extended to Gangtok and the Sikkim’s capital will be also connected with Mirik in Darjeeling district with a rail link.
She directed the Indian Railway authorities to set up two new computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) in Gangtok and Rangpo.
Rajendra Saxena
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Bengal-Sikkim broad gauge railway line
