BREAKTHROUGH OF TUNNEL T-03 (L=1275m), ANOTHER MILESTONE ACHIEVED IN

PRESTIGIOUS SIVOK-RANGPO RAIL PROJECT.

25.08.2023

Kalijhora, Darjeeling, W.B.: Tunnel No. T-03 of Sivok-Rangpo Rail Project (SRRP), located
in Darjeeling Dist., West Bengal, achieved a milestone of breakthrough on this special day of
25.08.2023. With this tunnel breakthrough mining in 07 tunnels have been completed. This
breakthrough event done by N. F. Railways, IRCON project officials, Forest department and
administrative officials of Darjeeling District.

The commendable tunnel breakthrough was orchestrated by the collaborative efforts of N. F.

Railways, IRCON project officials, representatives from the Forest Department, and
administrative authorities of Darjeeling District. The Main Tunnel, extending over a length of
1275 meters and devoid of any Evacuation Tunnel, is strategically positioned between
Kajijhora and Swetijhora within the expanse of Darjeeling District, West Bengal. This
subterranean passageway traverses through a region characterized by intricate geological
formations and seismic susceptibilities inherent to the Younger Himalayan terrain.

The mining endeavours faced the challenge of methane gas presence in the Sub-Himalayan
Mountain Range, necessitating continuous methane testing to ensure occupational safety.
This precautionary measure led to an extended construction timeline due to unfavourable
working conditions. Nonetheless, the breakthrough culminated in impeccable alignment of
both tunnel faces, serving as a testament to the precision exhibited throughout the
construction process.

This new rail link project connecting Sivok (West Bengal) and Rangpo (Sikkim) is about 45
kms long and is characterised by 14 nos. tunnels, 17 nos. bridges and 5 nos. stations. The
length of longest tunnel (T-10) is 5.3 km and length of longest bridge (Br-17) is 425 m.
About 38.63 kms of the entire project alignment is passing through tunnels and it is to
mention that 83% of tunnelling work has already been completed. At present final lining has
been completed in tunnel T-14 and is under progress in tunnel T-02, T-05, T-09, T-10, T-11
and T-12. Total 5.34 km (13.82 % of total) lining has been completed till date. Work in all
sections is being carried out round the clock 24x7. This is one of the 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
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 basis to complete the project by
Dec-2024. In second phase this line will be extended up to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.
IRCON is always grateful to the local people belonging to Sivok, Kalijhora, Lohapul, Rambhi,
Teesta Bazar, Melli and Rangpo comprising of district Darjeeling and Kalimpong to receive
huge support in the interest of Rail Project.
SITE PHOTOGRAPHS OF TODAY’S EVENT