Railways Ministry Approves Final Location Survey for Melli-Dentam Railway Line in Sikkim

The ministry directed the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) on May 8 to undertake the survey, allocating Rs. 2.25 crore for this crucial preliminary work.

The Railways Ministry has approved the Final Location Survey (FLS) for the proposed Melli-Dentam railway line in Sikkim, covering the route from Melli to Dentam via Jorethang and Legship. The ministry directed the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) on May 8 to undertake the survey, allocating Rs. 2.25 crore for this crucial preliminary work.

Lok Sabha MP from Sikkim, Indra Hang Subba, expressed his optimism about the 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 accordingly, sanctioned funds for this survey. The Final Location Survey is an important stepping stone for the Melli-Dentam railway project which, upon its completion, will have a transformative impact for development and mainstreaming of the remote corners of West Sikkim. We look forward to the early start of the Final Location Survey.”

The proposed 75-km railway line will connect Melli, Jorethang, Legship, and Dentam, effectively linking the southern and western regions of Sikkim. This project aims to bridge remote areas with mainstream economic and social activities, serving as a lifeline for the people of West Sikkim. Melli, located at the gateway to southern and western Sikkim, and Dentam, a remote town near the Indo-Nepal border at Chiwabhanjyang, will be the key endpoints of this strategic rail link.

The Melli-Dentam rail link is proposed as an extension of the Sevoke-Rangpo railway project, which is nearing completion. The Lok Sabha MP had submitted the proposal to the Railways Ministry in December last year, highlighting the critical role the rail link would play in promoting connectivity and economic integration in the region. Subba has been actively pursuing the project with Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and other concerned authorities, leading to the recent approval.

Once completed, the Melli-Dentam railway line is expected to significantly enhance connectivity, boost local economies, and reduce travel time, offering a crucial transport lifeline to residents of these remote areas.

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