A significant breakthrough was achieved in Tunnel T6 (3.943 Km) of Sivok – Rangpo Rail Project (SRRP) in Kalimpong District, West Bengal. This significant achievement marks a crucial step forward in enhancing connectivity and infrastructure in the region.
More Details:
Taking Indian Railway infrastructure to new heights, a major milestone has been reached, the tunnel breakthrough of 3.94 Km long Tunnel-6 achieved by IRCON in Sivok – Rangpo Rail Project (SRRP). Yet another firm step towards bringing Sikkim state on Rail map to fulfil the holistic vision of PM towards inclusivity of North East. Conquering 12 out of total 14 tunnels mining despite geological complexities, adversities, floods, landslides, mobility disruptions.
Brief about Sivok – Rangpo Project:
- The total length of the Sivok – Rangpo rail line project is 44.96 Km (41.55 km in West Bengal & 3.41 km in Sikkim). Out of the total length of 44.96 km, 38.623 km (86%) is in the form of tunnels, 2.24 km (5%) in Bridges and 4.79 km (9%) length in open cutting/filling of station yards.
- New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) has been adopted for the construction of tunnelling works 30.11 km of tunnel mining works and 4.2 km of tunnel lining works have already been completed. More than 93% of the tunnelling work has already been completed.
- The proposed line consists of 14 tunnels with the longest tunnel of 5.30 km & the shortest tunnel being 538 metre long. There are 13 nos. of major bridges and 10 nos. of minor bridges in the project.
- Works for all the major bridges are in progress and works of 06 no’s minor bridges have already been completed. The project includes construction of five stations viz. Sivok, Riyang, Melli, Rangpo and one underground halt station viz. Teesta Bazar.
Progress Till Date:
- At present final lining has been completed in tunnel T-14 & T-09 and is under progress in tunnel T-02, T-03, T-05, T-07, T-10, T-11 and T-12.
- Total 13.13 km lining has been completed till date. Work in all sections is being carried out round the clock 24×7.
- This is one of the most prestigious ongoing National Projects in India and on completion of this project, first time the state of Sikkim will be connected via railways.
- This rail network on its completion is aimed to provide alternate and stable connectivity to the state of Sikkim.
- At present all the activities related to construction of tunnels, bridges and station yards are going on war footing for early completion of the project.
Conclusion:
The Sivok – Rangpo Rail Project (SRRP) highlights Indian Railways dedication to advancing Northeastern connectivity. Despite significant geological challenges and natural adversities, the successful completion of Tunnel-6 and progress on other tunnels and bridges mark significant strides.
Source: IRCON | Images Credit: IRCON
