The ambitious Sevok–Rangpo railway line, a long-awaited project that will bring Sikkim onto India’s railway map for the first time, has achieved 85 percent completion, according to Shri Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northeast Frontier Railway. Speaking on Akashvani News Gangtok, he shared a detailed status report on the progress, challenges, and future outlook of the strategic line. Sharma said the project continues to move forward at an “excellent pace” despite demanding terrain, fragile geological conditions, and recurring environmental hurdles. The 45-km-long line is among India’s most complex railway constructions, with 86 percent of the alignment passing through tunnels, making it one of the most tunnel-intensive railway projects in the country.
The CPRO informed that the project comprises five stations and 22 bridges, of which 19 bridges have already been completed. Construction of the remaining stations and bridges is expected to be completed by next year. However, Tunnel No. 8 and Tunnel No. 10, the most challenging stretches due to their geological profile, will take longer and are targeted for completion in 2027. The entire railway line is scheduled for commissioning by December 2027. In a major development for Sikkim, surveys are currently underway for two new proposed rail projects—one aimed at extending the network further into Gangtok city, and another planned to connect Melli and Dentam, which would significantly expand intra-state rail connectivity in the future. Sharma also provided an overview of major railway initiatives across the Northeast. He stated that the Manipur railway project is expected to be ready by the end of 2028, while the much-anticipated railway line connecting Kohima is targeted for completion by 2029. Work is progressing simultaneously on the third railway line between Guwahati and Kamakhya, which will ease congestion on one of the busiest stretches in Assam.
Regarding international connectivity, Sharma said land acquisition is currently underway for two proposed India–Bhutan railway routes. The process is expected to be completed within a year, after which tenders will be issued. The Indian Railways is aiming to complete the Kokrajhar–Gelephu railway link by 2029, which will open a new chapter in bilateral connectivity between the two neighbouring countries. On station modernisation, the CPRO informed that 60 railway stations in the Northeast and 92 stations under N.F. Railway are being upgraded with modern amenities. These improvements include better waiting halls, enhanced parking areas, redesigned circulating spaces, and facilities for passengers with disabilities.