GANGTOK: The Railway Ministry has greenlit the Final Location Survey (FLS) for a new railway line in Sikkim, set to run from Melli to Dentam via Jorethang and Legship. As part of this initiative, announced on May 8, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has been tasked with conducting the FLS and has received a budget allocation of ₹2.25 crore.
Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba expressed enthusiasm about this development, stating, “I am delighted to share that the Railways ministry has approved the Final Location Survey for the new railway line from Melli to Dentam and sanctioned funds for this survey. The FLS is a vital step toward the Melli-Dentam railway project, which we believe will significantly uplift the remote areas of West Sikkim, integrating them into broader economic and social frameworks. We anticipate the FLS will commence soon.”
This proposed railway line spans approximately 75 kilometers and aims to connect Melli, Jorethang, Legship, and Dentam, thus serving the southern and western regions of Sikkim. Last December, Subba submitted this proposal to the Railways ministry, advocating for its importance as a lifeline for West Sikkim residents, as it is expected to bridge remote areas with essential economic activities. His persistent follow-up with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and other relevant authorities culminated in the approval for the FLS.
Melli is identified as the entry point to Sikkim’s southern and western districts, whereas Dentam is situated near the Indo-Nepal border at Chiwabhanjyang. This initiative is envisioned as an extension of the nearly completed Sevoke-Rangpo railway project. Subba highlighted the Melli-Dentam rail link as a strategic addition that would leverage Melli as a crucial connecting hub.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for his personal attention to this proposal, which is now moving forward with the Final Location Survey. I also appreciate Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay for his support in advancing this initiative to the Railways ministry,” Subba remarked.
Emphasizing the projected benefits, Subba noted that the Melli-Dentam railway link would significantly boost development across southern and western Sikkim. He asserted, “The railway link will act as a catalyst for economic growth in Gyalshing and surrounding areas. By unlocking the region’s economic potential, it will drive industrial development, enhance trade, and generate job opportunities. Improved rail connectivity also promises to enrich tourism, making the pristine eco-tourism and cultural sites of West Sikkim more accessible to travelers.”
Discussing the feasibility of this project, Subba explained that the proposed route would follow the banks of the Rangeet River up to Legship and then along the Kalej River towards Dentam. He noted that this path would offer a less challenging terrain compared to the Sevoke-Rangpo section, rendering it a viable and promising endeavor for the Ministry of Railways.
Original Source: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/final-location-survey-sanctioned-for-melli-dentam-railway-line
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