Gangtok, April 17: In a significant development for Sikkim’s infrastructure and tourism, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang announced that the long-awaited railway project connecting Siliguri (Sevok) in West Bengal to Sikkim is slated for completion by 2027. The project, which has been a key focus for the state, is expected to greatly enhance connectivity, making travel to Sikkim more accessible and boosting tourism.
The announcement was made during the final day of the Discover Rabong Cho-Dzo Fest 2025. Chief Minister Tamang also shared plans for the construction of the Melli to Singtam Highway, which will further enhance the region’s transportation network. Meanwhile, maintenance work on National Highway 10 (NH10) is currently underway, and once completed, it will reduce the travel time between Siliguri and Sikkim to just two hours.
In addition to these infrastructure projects, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has made significant strides in improving railway safety and connectivity across Assam, Bihar, and West Bengal. Between April 2024 and March 2025, the NFR will complete the construction of 11 Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and 26 Road Under Bridges (RUBs). These developments aim to improve operational efficiency, reduce delays, and enhance overall connectivity in the region.
Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northeast Frontier Railway, revealed that the NFR has also eliminated 28 manned level crossings (MLCs) during this period through the construction of ROBs, RUBs, and other infrastructure upgrades. These efforts are expected to reduce road congestion, improve safety, and ensure uninterrupted train operations, thereby transforming the transportation landscape of Northeast India.
These combined efforts are poised to bring substantial improvements to the region’s transportation network, enhancing both logistics and passenger movement.
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