Guwahati/Gangtok, March 15 (NationPress) The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has reached a significant milestone in the Sivok–Rangpo Railway Project located in Sikkim with the successful completion of the breakthrough in Tunnel No. 8, which measures 4.148 km, as reported by officials on Sunday.

This achievement represents a crucial advancement in the strategically vital rail connection that links Sikkim to the broader national railway system.

NFR’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, stated that the breakthrough was a collaborative effort between NFR and IRCON International Ltd., signifying major progress for this essential rail connectivity initiative aimed at the Northeastern region.

He noted that Tunnel No. 8 stands out as one of the project's key tunnels, with an overall length of 4.148 km plus an additional adit of 1.010 km. The excavation and construction of the tunnel were conducted under particularly challenging geological conditions, characterized by weak, weathered, and fractured rock formations.

Additional hurdles included the unpredictable hilly terrain and sensitivities related to the adjacent National Highway‑10 corridor, Sharma explained.

With the successful excavation of Tunnel No. 8, work has now concluded in 13 out of the total 14 tunnels for the Sivok–Rangpo Railway Project. According to the official, this accomplishment is a pivotal step in the overall advancement of the project.

There has also been notable progress in other key project components. Tunnel lining operations, covering a length of 32.4 km, have been finalized in 12 tunnels. Moreover, ballastless track installation over 21 km has been completed within the tunnels, effectively pushing the project closer to operational readiness, as stated by the NFR CPRO.

The Sivok–Rangpo New Rail Link Project is a fundamental connectivity initiative for the Northeastern region. Its objective is to link Sikkim with the national railway network and is part of the larger Indian Railways Capital Connectivity initiative, as articulated by the official.

The overall length of the Sivok–Rangpo Railway Project is 44.96 km, with 41.55 km in West Bengal and 3.41 km in Sikkim. Approximately 38.623 km (around 86%) of the route traverses tunnels, 2.24 km goes over bridges, and 4.79 km involves open cutting and station yards.

The construction encompasses 14 tunnels, with the longest extending about 5.30 km and the shortest at roughly 538 meters. Additionally, the project includes 13 major bridges and 10 minor bridges.

The new railway line will feature five stations: Sivok, Riyang, Melli, Rangpo, and an underground halt at Teesta Bazar, which will be distinctive infrastructure characteristics of the project.

Upon completion, this project will significantly enhance transportation in Sikkim, ensuring a steady supply of essential goods and stimulating economic growth in the area. Construction activities across all aspects, including civil works, track installation, and railway electrification, are progressing steadily.

Sharma mentioned that NFR is dedicated to completing the outstanding work and commissioning the Sivok–Rangpo Railway Project by December 2027, thereby greatly improving rail connectivity to Sikkim and fostering regional development and mobility.