Chamling demands rail link up to Nathu La

Gangtok, Jan 5 (UNI) Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today said he has demanded a rail link to Nathu La border (14,400 ft) adjoining the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR).

'' The Centre has allocated money for a rail link to Rangpo (border town of Sikkim), said the Chief Minister. But I have demanded a rail link up to Nathu La and this is the demand of the Sikkim government,'' he said while inaugurating a tourism spot at Banjakri Falls, around seven kms away from here.

Mr Chamling said air connectivity will be solved soon. Tenders for an airport (Pakyong, East Sikkim) has been floated and planes will start flying within the next two years, he added.

The Union Government has also agreed in principle for an alternative highway for Sikkim, Mr Chamling said adding that upgradation and double laning of the present NH 31A will also be done side by side.

The Chief Minister dedicated the tourist spot, Banjakri Falls and Energy Park to the locals and appealed them to exploit for tourism purposes. The spot costing Rs 2.85 crores, has been built with a Shamman (faith healers) theme. Life size statues of faith healers from different communities of Sikkim are the special attractions in the two acre spot.

UNI BG KK AB KK RS1834