GANGTOK: Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has directed the Railways Ministry officials to conduct a preliminary feasibility study for the Melli-Dentam new railway line in Sikkim, as requested by Dr. Indra Hang Subba, the Lok Sabha MP from Sikkim. The Railways minister further directed the ministry officials to prepare a report at the earliest after the preliminary feasibility study.
The directives were issued following the representation submitted by Dr. Indra Hang Subba to the Railways minister at his office in New Delhi on December 9.
“The Railways Minister has directed his officials to conduct a preliminary feasibility study and prepare a report at the earliest,” said Dr. Indra Hang Subba.
In his representation, the Lok Sabha MP had submitted a proposal to the Railways minister for a feasibility study and construction of a new railway line in Sikkim i.e. Melli – Jorethang – Legship – Dentam, which falls in the western region of the State.
Currently, the Sevoke-Rangpo railway line is nearing completion which will connect Sikkim with the national railways map.
“I earnestly request your esteemed ministry to consider initiating a feasibility study for a new railway line from Melli to Dentam, passing through Jorethang, as a strategic extension of the ongoing Sevoke-Rangpo railway project, with Melli proposed as the connecting junction,” said Dr. Indra Hang in his letter to the Railways minister.
The proposed route would traverse through the banks of Rangeet River up to Legship and then follow the Kalej River banks towards Dentam, making use of a comparatively less challenging terrain than the Sevoke-Rangpo stretch. This makes the project a viable and promising initiative for the Ministry of Railways to undertake, submitted the Lok Sabha MP from Sikkim.
He further highlighted several key benefits of the proposed Melli-Dentam railway link.
The key benefits are:
Enhanced Regional Connectivity: The proposed railway link would link Dentam, a crucial town near the Indo-Nepal border at Chiwabhanjyang, with rest of Sikkim and the national railway network. It would serve as a lifeline for the people of West Sikkim, bringing remote areas closer to the mainstream economic and social activities.
Catalyst for Economic Development: Gyalshing and other parts of West Sikkim face developmental bottlenecks due to inadequate connectivity. A railway link would unlock the economic potential of the region, spur industrial growth, facilitate trade, and create employment opportunities.
Boost to Tourism: Improved rail connectivity would open up new avenues for tourism by making West Sikkim’s pristine eco-tourism and cultural tourism destinations more accessible to visitors.
Educational & Social Empowerment: Reliable railway connectivity would bring schools, colleges, healthcare facilities, and essential services within easier reach for the people of West Sikkim, contributing to their overall socio-economic upliftment.
“Considering the immense potential and benefits of this project, I earnestly urge your ministry to conduct a detailed feasibility study for the proposed Mell-Jorethang-Legship-Dentam railway line. Also, the prospects of incorporating this route into the national railway network, and approve and prioritize this project as part of your ministry’s developmental initiatives,” requested Dr. Indra Hang Subba to the Railways minister.
The Lok Sabha MP committed to extend his full cooperation and support this initiative, and for any coordination required from the State government to ensure its smooth implementation, a press release informs.
- SA Report
