GANGTOK: The Ministry of Railways has sanctioned Rs 8.48 crore for the Final Location Survey (FLS) of the proposed Melli-Dentam railway line project in Sikkim. This crucial allocation marks another step forward in extending railway connectivity to the southern and western regions of the border State.
The Railway Ministry communicated the FLS fund allocation to the Northeast Frontier Railway through an official letter issued on October 24.
It may be recalled that Sikkim Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba had met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on July 25 this year, urging him to expedite processes related to the Melli-Dentam railway project. The MP had pressed for timely completion of the FLS, preparation and approval of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), and the early execution of the project, citing its importance for improving accessibility, promoting tourism, and strengthening national security in the region.
“I am delighted to share that the Railways Ministry has sanctioned funds for the Final Location Survey for the new railway line from Melli to Dentam. The Final Location Survey is an important stepping stone for the Melli-Dentam railway project which, upon completion, will have a transformative impact on the development and mainstreaming of the remote corners of West Sikkim. We look forward to the early start of the Final Location Survey,” said MP Indra Hang Subba in a media statement on Monday.
Earlier this year, the Railways Ministry had approved the FLS for the proposed new railway line in Sikkim, stretching from Melli to Dentam via Jorethang and Legship. The proposed 75-km route will connect Melli, Jorethang, Legship, and Dentam-linking the southern and western regions of Sikkim through the railway network.
Indra Hang expressed his thanks to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for his personal attention to the proposal and for sanctioning the funds for the FLS. He also extended his gratitude to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) for his support and guidance in taking up the matter with the Railway Ministry.
“I also extend my sincere gratitude to Governor Shri Om Prakash Mathur for his guidance, encouragement and intervention to pursue the Melli-Dentam railway project with the Railway Ministry”, said Indra Hang.
The MP had submitted the proposal for the Melli-Dentam railway line to the Railways Ministry in December last year, emphasizing that the project would serve as a lifeline for the people of West Sikkim by bringing remote areas closer to mainstream economic and social activities.
As directed by Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, Indra Hang persistently followed-up the proposal with the Union Minister and concerned authorities leading to the Railway Board’s approval and sanctioning of funds for the FLS.
Melli serves as the entry point to the southern and western districts of Sikkim, while Dentam is a remote town near the Indo-Nepal border at Chiwabhanjyang. The proposal envisions the Melli-Dentam rail link as an extension of the Sevoke-Rangpo railway project, which is nearing completion.
The MP had also urged that the Melli-Dentam link, passing through Jorethang, be developed as a strategic extension of the ongoing project, with Melli serving as the connecting junction.
“The Melli-Dentam railway link will be a catalyst for economic development in Gyalshing and other parts of West Sikkim. It will unlock the economic potential of the region, spur industrial growth, facilitate trade, and create employment opportunities. Improved rail connectivity will also open up new avenues for tourism by making West Sikkim’s pristine eco-tourism and cultural tourism destinations more accessible to visitors,” said the Lok Sabha MP.
- SA Report
