A long wait is finally over as the Bengal-Sikkim rail project picks up pace: TAAI

The work on rail connectivity from West Bengal to Sikkim, which was delayed by a decade has made quick progress after Prime Minister Narendra Modi ticked off officials from Railways and the West Bengal government early this year. The government has set December 2023 as the deadline for this crucial northeast connectivity project. Extending her wishes and gratitude to the Prime Minister and the government of West Bengal, Jyoti Mayal, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) said, “The wait was long but finally the destination has arrived after 10 years of wait. This will not only strengthen the boundaries but also foster tourism which is a need of the hour. Currently, Sikkim and Kalimpong districts are dependent solely on NH-10A from Siliguri which most often gets disrupted due to landslides, this project will ease out that burden and make a smooth passage for visitors.” Following the PM’s push, approvals from the West Bengal government came fast and the pace of digging the tunnel has increased. “There has been an immense increase of more than three folds in the past six months from 300 metres a day to 1 km per day and it is likely to touch 1.3 km daily by December end,” quoted Jay Bhatia, Vice President, TAAI. Adding to it, Bettiah Lokesh, Hony Secretary General, TAAI mentioned that such dedication and good speed will definitely prove to be beneficial for the accomplishment of such a huge project in the way of tourism. Although this project was sanctioned in 2009-10, work could not start due to delays in land acquisition and forest clearances. After getting necessary approvals from the West Bengal government and forest department in June 2019, activities at all the fronts were planned for executions. Mentioning the pros of the project Shreeram Patel, Treasurer, TAAI said that it will provide all-weather connectivity to Sikkim. This will be a big boost for tourism in the region and has strategic significance for the defence of the country.