Indian Railways has started the final location survey for a proposed railway line that will connect Gangtok with Nathu La in Sikkim, marking another step in expanding rail connectivity in the Himalayan state.
The latest survey comes after the completion of a similar exercise for the 34.7 km Rangpo–Gangtok railway section. Officials said the new study will help determine the exact alignment, technical feasibility and cost estimates for the Gangtok–Nathu La stretch, which is seen as strategically and economically important.
According to a report by The Times of India, construction work on the proposed line is expected to begin within the next two years, once the planning process and necessary approvals are completed. The project is expected to improve connectivity to border areas and support tourism in the region.
At the same time, work is progressing on the Sevoke–Rangpo railway project, which will provide the first-ever rail link to Sikkim. The project connects Sevoke in West Bengal with Rangpo, located near the Sikkim border.
The 44.96 km-long line is being implemented by IRCON International Limited on behalf of the Northeast Frontier Railway. A major portion of the project lies in West Bengal, covering 41.55 km, while the remaining 3.41 km falls within Sikkim.
Once completed, the route will have five stations — Sevoke, Riyang, Teesta Bazar, Melli and Rangpo. Officials said the project is progressing steadily and is expected to play a key role in improving transport access to the region.