Sikkim: Sivok-Rangpo Rail Project achieves another milestone, completes final concrete lining in Tunnel No. 14

This railway project aims to enhance the socio-economic status of the state

By Prakash Adhikari

In a milestone achievement on the 48th statehood day of Sikkim, the Sivok-Rangpo rail link project (SRRP) has achieved a breakthrough by completing the final concrete lining in Tunnel No. 14.

Ircon International Limited achieved the milestone on Monday, 15 May. This achievement comes after the mining breakthrough was accomplished in February last year.

The breakthrough in this project was done in the presence of B.K. Gupta, Additional Member Civil Engineering, Railway Board, and Chairman Cum Managing Director of Ircon International Limited, along with officials from Northeast Frontier Railway, Ircon International Limited, and construction agency M/s. Abir Infrastructure Pvt Ltd.

The tunnel with a sanctioned cost of Rs 4086 crore and spanning approximately 1977 meters is located between Kumrek and Khanikhola in East Sikkim faces challenging geological conditions in the Lesser Himalaya.

To counter the challenges, the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) under the supervision of highly experienced Indian and foreign engineers has been adopted. The next phase of the project will involve track-linking works through this tunnel.

The 45 km long Sivok Rangpo New BG Rail Line Project has 14 tunnels, 17 bridges, and 5 stations. 38.65 kilometers of the entire project is passing through tunnels. As of now, 76% of the tunnelling work has been completed, with mining work finished in six tunnels and several others nearing completion

Sikkim is currently only connected by road (NH 31A), which passes through very steep slopes and experiences frequent disruptions during the monsoons.

Increased traffic demand puts tremendous pressure on the road, making it more vulnerable to damage and the journey more stressful.

With rail connectivity, it will provide a reliable and comfortable transportation infrastructure. This railway project also aims to enhance the socio-economic status of the state.

The Railway Ministry is planning to extend the Sivok-Rangpo Railway Project to Gangtok and Nathula Pass (the Indo-China Border), which will play a vital role in meeting the defence requirements.

Also Read : Sikkim Statehood Day: 4 state Govt officials conferred Sikkim Sewa Samman award

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