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Sikkim set to sign pact for underground expressway

Sarikah Atreya

Gangtok, July 7 Sikkim is all set to ink an agreement for construction of an underground expressway. An MoU to this effect will be signed on July 15 here between the State Government and Star Universal Resource Company.

This follows the meeting of the Chief Minister, Mr Pawan Chamling, with the Union Minister of Development of North Eastern Region, Mr Mani Shankar Aiyar, in New Delhi on July 4.

The proposed underground expressway from Coronation Bridge (Bag Pul) at Sevoke in West Bengal directly to Gangtok, a distance of 53 km by tunnel and bridge, will be the first of its kind in the region.

There is another proposal to construct a set of tunnels and bridges from Gangtok to Nathula, a distance of 35 km.

Tunnels

It is proposed that two pairs of tunnels of about 100 sq mt areas each will be constructed. One pair will be for road connectivity and the other will carry a standard broad gauge railway track in each tunnel.

The project is to be undertaken on a BOT basis for construction and maintenance of the expressway for 45 years from the date of signing of the agreement.

The project has already been approved in-principle by DoNER.

Boon for the people

The expressway, once operational, will prove a great boon for the people of Sikkim. National Highway 31A is often at the mercy of natural calamities and frequent bandh calls in the neighbouring Darjeeling Hills, causing great suffering for the people, both in transportation of essential goods and also for normal movement of people. The expressway is also expected to boost the tourism industry in the State.

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