Indian Railway Board assures Sikkim Rail link construction to start in 2011

GANGTOK: The Chairman, Railway Board Mr. Vivek Sahai along with General Manager (Construction) NF Railway Mr. Keshab Chandra, Divisional Railway Manager, Katihar Mr. BS Patil, Managing Director IRCON (Construction Company) and its officials made their visit to Sikkim on 28th May 2011 and the visiting team also conducted a coordination meet, which was the first of its kind with the Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim.

During the meet Mr. Sahai said that the work for construction of railway link to Sikkim will begin in full swing from the month of October which can be also viewed by the public at large. Furthermore Mr. Sahai added that there exists minute problem in regards to construction in North Bengal region between 0-5km and every positive step are being carried out to solve the persisting problem to link Sikkim with rest of the nation through railways.

Whereas the chief engineer, Border Roads Organization (BRO) placing his concern that construction of railway link might cause damage to the only lifeline to Sikkim that is NH31A . in response Mr. Sahai said that the construction company EIRCON is now equipped with modern equipments by which they can continue their work with out hindering the traffic along NH31A and added that EIRCON has performed numerous works in the hilly terrains like Jammu and Kashmir and even in Malaysia.

Adding more Mr. Sahai informed that sufficient distance will be maintained by the railway from NH31A during construction and most importantly maximum efforts will be initiated for safeguarding of wild life and environment of the region. All matters were discussed threadbare during the meet including the very important land acquisition.

The meeting also suggested of forming a coordination committee considering the smooth, proper construction of railway link in Sikkim which will consist of BRO, Railways, concerned State Governments department officials like Transport, Mines and Geology, Forest etc. On 29th May Mr. Vivek Sahai along with his team Nathula border and it can be expected that in days to come may be in the second phase of railway connectivity from Rangpo to Nathula as earlier proposed by the State Government will be looked upon.

The coordination meeting was chaired by CS Mr. ND Chingapa and also present from the State Government side were former CS Mr. T.T.Dorjee.

(Sikkim Mail)