RANGPO-SIKKIM'S FIRST RAILWAY STATION

1. Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for Sikkim's 1st railway station.
2. This is a part of a larger railway infrastructure project worth Rs 41,000 crore.
3. Despite the challenges, the project is 60 to 65% complete and track work is scheduled to begin next month. The project deadline has been extended to 2025 due to external factors such as floods and landslides.

Key Details

1. Location: Rangpo, Sikkim.

1. Project Scope: Part of the Sevoke-Rangpo rail line (Sevoke near Siliguri in West Bengal to Rangpo in Sikkim) (45 km), connecting Sikkim to West Bengal.
2. Features: 14 tunnels, underground Teesta Bazar station.
3. Other Stations: Riyang, Teesta Bazar, Melli (all in West Bengal)

 Significance 

1. Historic moment, in line with the 'Viksit Bharat@2047' vision.
2. Promotes tourism potential by providing convenient connectivity.
3. Provides reliable transportation options during monsoon (when roads are disrupted).

 Project Details 

1. Contractor: IRCON International
2. Original Timeline: Awarded 2010, completion by 2015
3. Revised Timeline: Completion target moved to December 2024
4. Cost: Revised cost Rs 12,474.07 crore.

 Interesting Facts:

1. Sikkim's 1st railway connection establishes a 3-transportation mode (previously air & road).
2. Project phases: Sevoke-Rangpo, Rangpo-Gangtok, Gangtok-Nathula.
3. Challenges: Complex terrain (86% of line in tunnels), delays due to floods and landslides.

Must Check: Best IAS Coaching In Delhi