Editing Sikkim (section)

=== Rail ===
Sikkim lacks significant railway infrastructure. The closest major railway stations are [[Siliguri Junction]] and [[New Jalpaiguri]] in neighbouring West Bengal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://travel.mapsofindia.com/travel-sikkim/how-to-reach.html|title=How to Reach Sikkim|publisher=Maps of India|access-date=7 September 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414194441/http://travel.mapsofindia.com/travel-sikkim/how-to-reach.html|archive-date=14 April 2009}}</ref> However, the New Sikkim Railway Project has been launched to connect the town of [[Rangpo]] in Sikkim with [[Sevoke]] on the West Bengal border. This line is [[Sivok–Rangpo line|Sevoke-Rangpo Railway Line]] from [[Sivok railway station]] to [[Rangpo railway station]].<ref>[http://www.constructionupdate.com/News.aspx?nId=WIcIBZdMByhLAS9Iyls+Og== "Finally, Sevoke-Rangpo railway link on track"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528224619/http://www.constructionupdate.com/News.aspx?nId=WIcIBZdMByhLAS9Iyls+Og== |date=28 May 2013 }}. ConstructionUpdate.com. November 2009. Retrieved 12 November 2012.</ref> The five-station line is intended to support both economic development and Indian Army operations and was initially planned to be completed by 2015,<ref>{{Cite web | url = http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/northbengalsikkimrai/ | title = North Bengal-Sikkim Railway Link | publisher = Railway Technology | access-date = 19 June 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120723122216/http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/northbengalsikkimrai/ | archive-date = 23 July 2012 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>[http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2010/01/25/stories/2010012551081500.htm "Inspection survey for Sikkim rail link"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100131003127/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2010/01/25/stories/2010012551081500.htm |date=31 January 2010 }}. ''The Hindu''. 25 January 2010. Retrieved 27 June 2013.</ref> though as of 2023 its construction has met with delays.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Train-to-Sikkim-poses-jumbo-threat/articleshow/18361095.cms|title=Train to Sikkim poses jumbo threat|date=6 February 2013|access-date=7 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502133052/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-02-06/flora-fauna/36949140_1_elephant-deaths-chief-wildlife-warden-state-wildlife-board|archive-date=2 May 2013|work=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019, the railway line up to Rangpo was expected to be completed in 2021.<ref>Financial Express. [https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/indian-railways-new-sivok-rangpo-rail-project-travel-from-west-bengal-to-sikkim-in-just-2-hours-watch-video/1691100 Indian Railways new Sivok-Rangpo rail project: Travel from West Bengal to Sikkim in just 2 hours]. (30 August 2019).</ref> In the second phase the line will be extended up to [[Gangtok]].<ref>Times of India. [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/travel/destinations/very-soon-travelling-to-sikkim-by-train-will-be-a-possibility/as71172425.cms Very soon, travelling to Sikkim by train will be a possibility]. (17 September 2019).</ref> In addition, the [[Ministry of Railways (India)|Ministry of Railways]] proposed plans in 2010 for railway lines linking [[Mirik]] in West Bengal to [[Namchi]], [[Daramdin]], [[Ranipool]], and [[Gangtok]].<ref name="Gurung2010-12-09">{{Cite news | last = Gurung | first = Bijoy | date = 9 December 2010 | title = Sikkim tour dreams ride on rail plan | newspaper = Telegraph India | url = https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/sikkim-tour-dreams-ride-on-rail-plan-hope-for-pilgrims-trekkers-four-stations-in-hill-state/cid/458079 | access-date = 5 July 2020 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>