Sikkim Rajya Sabha MP Pushes for Nathula Rail Link to Boost Connectivity and Security

He raised the demand during the Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, calling for the project to be taken up on a priority basis.

Rajya Sabha MP from Sikkim, Dorjee Tshering Lepcha, has urged the Union Government to extend the railway network from Rangpo to Nathula, mentioning its significance for all-weather connectivity, tourism, and military logistics. He raised the demand during the Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, calling for the project to be taken up on a priority basis.

MP Lepcha highlighted that Nathula, situated at an altitude of 14,000 feet on the Indo-Tibetan border, is not just a key tourist destination but also a strategically important location prone to avalanches and extreme weather conditions. “At present, road connectivity provides a comfortable travel experience for tourists and security forces, but it is entirely dependent on favorable weather. A railway extension will provide uninterrupted access throughout the year,” he stated.

Stressing the project’s importance, the Sikkim MP said the rail link to Nathula would significantly boost the local economy by improving transportation efficiency and reducing travel time. “This will make Sikkim more accessible to tourists and businesses, leading to increased economic activities and job creation in the region,” he said.

Additionally, Lepcha stressed that the railway extension would be a major advantage for the armed forces, providing better logistical support in forward areas. “This project will not only help integrate the hill people into the national mainstream but also support the entrepreneurial spirit of the region,” he added.

Currently, the Sevoke-Rangpo Rail project is nearing completion, and another proposed extension from Rangpo to Gangtok is under review. The Indian Railways has reportedly completed the Final Location Survey (FLS) for the Rangpo-Gangtok link and submitted it to the Railway Board for approval. MP Lepcha urged the government to expedite the Nathula extension alongside these ongoing projects to ensure seamless connectivity and strategic advantage for Sikkim.

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