MP Indra Hang raises need for expeditious completion of ongoing railway projects in Sikkim

GANGTOK, : Lok Sabha MP (Sikkim) Indra Hang Subba on Tuesday attended the meeting of the Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Committee (ZRUCC), Northeast Frontier Railway, in Guwahati, where he raised the need for expeditious completion and progress of railway projects in Sikkim.

During the ZRUCCmeeting, Indra Hang urged the Northeast Frontier Railway to expedite the ongoing Sevoke–Rangpo Railway Line, which is critical for establishing direct railway connectivity to Sikkim. He emphasised the need for timely completion of the project, considering its importance for the State’s connectivity, tourism, trade, economic development and strategic interests, a press release from his office informs.

The Lok Sabha MP also called for expediting the Final Location Survey (FLS) and preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed Melli-Dentam Railway Line in southern and western districts of Sikkim. He stressed that the survey and DPR processes should be completed at the earliest to enable the project to move forward without unnecessary delay.

He highlighted that strengthening and expanding railway connectivity is vital for Sikkim’s long-term infrastructure development, economic growth and improved mobility, and urged the railway authorities to accord due priority to these projects.

Indra Hang reiterated his commitment to continuously pursuing railway connectivity projects for Sikkim with the Ministry of Railways and Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) and working towards their timely implementation, the release mentions.

A NFR press release adds that the ZRUCC meet was presided over by NFR general manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava with participation of MPs from West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, and Nagaland, and MLAs from Nagaland and Mizoram.

Senior officers from the State governments, various railway users’ associations and organisations and other members from the North-Eastern States, West Bengal and Bihar also attended the meeting, making it a vibrant platform for constructive dialogue and meaningful engagement on the future development of railway services and infrastructure in the region.

The NFR general manager highlighted the ongoing connectivity and infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening rail links including improved connectivity to the capitals of the North-Eastern States. The meeting also provided a valuable platform for constructive interaction and exchange of ideas to further enhance railway infrastructure and passenger services across the region.

The participating MPs and MLAs placed valuable suggestions and requests regarding railway services and infrastructure.

Shrivastava assured them that all feasible suggestions would be given due consideration and implemented in a phased manner, as per priorities and feasibility. He reaffirmed N.F. Railway’s commitment to building a safe, modern, efficient and passenger-friendly railway system, the release mentions.