The only Indian state without access to railways, Sikkim, is about to experience a revolution in its connectivity. On February 26, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the state’s first railway station. From the current update to the plan, here’s everything you must know about this project.
Sikkim Finally Gets Its First Railway Station
An Ambitious Railway Project
Amarjeet Agrawal, the Deputy Railway Manager of Alipurduar, spoke on the significance of Rangpo station for Sikkim and India. He said that the railroad station would be useful for defense and tourism. As per reports, this ambitious railway project will be completed in three stages:
- Sivok to Rangpo
- Rangpo to Gangtok
- Gangtok to Nathula
The Sivok-Rangpo Line will run for almost 45 km, with the following stations: Sivok, Riyang and Teesta Bazaar in West Bengal, and Melli and Rangpo in Sikkim.
Among the railway stations, Teesta Bazaar is particularly noteworthy as it may be India’s first underground stop. It will serve as a convenient link between Darjeeling and Gangtok. As the terrain is hilly, the 45-km-long Sivok-Rangpo Railway Line will primarily consist of bridges and tunnels. In fact, the 86% of the total route will be in tunnels and 5% will be bridges. The Sivok–Rangpo railway project has reached approximately 90% overall completion.
As per 2026, while structural progress is moving rapidly, the final deadline for the full line to become operational has been revised to December 2027. So for those planning on visiting Sikkim in a few years, the traveling experience will be something memorable.
Sikkim’s first railway station, Rangpo Railway Station work update, part of the 44 km Sivok-Rangpo railway project to connect Sikkim with Indian Railways. Land stabilization work around the station is almost complete, and platform surface flattening is ongoing. (📷A-Venture) pic.twitter.com/2sBKUYloMc
— Indian Infra (@IndiaInfra02) January 11, 2026
Also Read: How To Plan A Trip To Sikkim: Permits, Best Time, Budget And Itinerary
Things To Do In Sikkim
Try The Local Cuisine
The first thing that tourists in Sikkim try from its local food choices are authentic momos and noodles. Well, Food in Sikkim is heavily inspired from the cuisine of Nepal and Tibet. You will surely fall in love with Sikkimese food items like dumplings, soups, vegetables, rice, meats, stews, and so on. You must also try the traditionally prepared Kinema curry made from fermented soybean, Gundruk and Sinki. While you go for your evening walks, make sure you do not miss on trying momos with a variety of fillings and thukpa. It is a noodle soup that contains spinach, ground pepper, and cauliflower. Put an end to your meals with the traditional desserts of Sikkim. This includes Sha Phaley (fried pastry with meat, cheese, and tofu filling) and Sel Roti (a doughnut-shaped sweet).
Trek To Goecha Peak
Sikkim’s topography will surely make any trekker fall in love with it. The ancient town of Yuksom is known as the starting point for several trekking trails to Mount Khangchendzonga (Kanchenjunga). The tekkers can choose to follow routes that take them to the Dzongri Peak, Rathong Glacier, Prel Chu River, Paha Khola Bridge, and Tshoko. If you are a difficult level experienced trekker you can head to the Goecha Peak.
Also Read: Adventure Sports In Sikkim
Experience Adventure Sports
Sikkim is loved for an adventure sports experience like nowhere else. So be physically and mentally prepared for the adrenaline rush that this state has to offer to all the adventure seekers. The most loved activities here are paragliding and hang gliding as Gangtok offers some excellent launching ridges. Another highly rated and demanded activity in Sikkim is river rafting. The Teesta River was earlier known to be the 4th best river rafting region in the world and even today is one of the most preferred spots. If you wish to go for bungee jumping try it at the Singshore Bridge or you can also try rock climbing at Yuksom.
Offer Prayers At the Monastery
Sikkim is home to a large number of Buddhist monks with over 200 monasteries across the state. One monastery you cannot miss here is the Rumtek Monastery, which is the largest one in the state of Sikkim and is gorgeous inside and out. Other must-see monasteries in Sikkim include the Enchey Monastery which is located in Gangtok, the Karma Kagyu Monastery, located in North Sikkim, and the ancient Sanga Choeling monastery.
Also Read: Do Indians Need Permits To Visit Sikkim? Inner Line Permit For Sikkim Explained
Summing Up
Sikkim is the state that finally got its first railway station in 49 years. The project is complete by 90 percent already with major tunneling and bridge work finished. The full line is expected to be operational by December 2027.
FAQs
Is There Any Railway Station In Sikkim?
Sikkim has been known as the only state in India with no railway station for many years now.
Which Station Remained Closed For 42 Years?
The Begunkodar Railway Station in West Bengal was closed for 42 years and was famously known as India’s Ghost Station.
Is Ghee Allowed In Indian Trains?
Yes, ghee is allowed in train with appropriate packagaing.
