The Ministry of Railways has approved the final location survey for a proposed 75-kilometre railway line from Melli to Dentam in Sikkim. This significant development aims to enhance sustainable connectivity and unlock tourism potential in the state's remote southern and western districts.
The planned route is set to pass through Jorethang and Legship鈥攔egions that, despite their tourism appeal, remain poorly linked by existing transport networks. Once completed, the line is expected to bridge critical mobility gaps and support India鈥檚 broader goal of integrating remote geographies into the national rail grid.
This proposal complements the under-construction Sivok鈥揜angpo railway line, which spans 44.96 kilometres鈥攑redominantly through West Bengal, with only 3.41 kilometres in Sikkim. The project is a challenging engineering feat, with over 86 per cent of its route running through tunnels and the remainder comprising bridges and open cuts. It includes 14 tunnels (one stretching 5.3 kilometres) and 23 bridges, with construction employing the environmentally sensitive New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM). Once operational, the Sivok鈥揜angpo line will deliver Sikkim its first-ever rail access.
Valued at Rs 124.74 billion, the Sivok鈥揜angpo project underlines the central government鈥檚 long-term commitment to building sustainable, all-weather infrastructure in the Himalayan region. The newly approved Melli鈥揇entam survey signals a strategic extension of this investment and a renewed focus on regional integration.
Beyond connectivity, such infrastructure is poised to become a catalyst for socio-economic change. Rail transit offers a low-emission, climate-resilient alternative to the landslide-prone and capacity-limited roadways that currently dominate the region. It promises more reliable access to essential services, education, healthcare, and job markets for residents in remote settlements.
Importantly, this development supports India鈥檚 carbon neutrality ambitions. Railways, as a mass transit mode, offer a cleaner mobility solution that aligns with Sikkim鈥檚 environmentally conscious ethos. With further expansion into areas like Dentam, the state stands to benefit from both improved logistics and tourism without compromising ecological balance.
While the timeline for completion of the Melli鈥揇entam project is yet to be finalised, the survey approval marks a significant milestone. As India continues to broaden its railway footprint, projects such as this underscore the government鈥檚 vision for inclusive, future-ready, and environmentally sustainable infrastructure.
