The Sikkim Vande Bharat initiative promises to revolutionize travel and enhance connectivity for the entire Northeast region.
With plans to reintegrate Sikkim into the Indian railway network by December 2024, the project is progressing rapidly. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s visit to inspect the Sevoke-Rangpo railway project, which includes 14 tunnels and 17 bridges, signifies significant advancement. Six tunnels have already been completed, and bridge construction is in full swing.
The goal to connect Rangpo and Gangtok underscores the government’s commitment to expanding railway infrastructure. Additionally, there are plans to extend the railway to Nathu-la, a pass on the India-China frontier, indicating strategic importance. Sikkim’s geographic significance makes improving its connectivity a priority for the central government, akin to efforts in Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
Once operational, the Sikkim Vande Bharat could reduce travel time to Guwahati to under 5 hours, marking a transformative milestone for the region.
