IRCON advanced the work of the strategic Sivok-Rangpo Rail Project, achieved a new milestone with the erection of 3×76.3m Open Web girders on Bridge No. 15. This engineering feat marks the completion of 8 out of 13 major bridges for the project, highlighting precision, planning, and commitment in the coarse Himalayan terrain.
Introduction:
In the ambitious Sivok-Rangpo Rail Project, IRCON is gradually progressing towards the completion of the project. The project is a vital railway initiative connecting the border state of Sikkim with the rest of India. The project is of strategic and socio-economic importance, improving connectivity in a challenging and sensitive terrain.
Key Milestone Achieved:
One of the latest milestones includes the successful assembly and erection of 3×76.3-meter-long Open Web girders on Bridge No. 15. Weighing a total of 985 metric tons, these girders were installed at a height of 24 meters, a feat demanding meticulous coordination and technical excellence.
Progress Update:
With this accomplishment, IRCON has completed 8 out of 13 major bridges along the project alignment, signaling significant headway in the civil works. This milestone adds to the momentum of the overall project, which is progressing steadily despite geographical and geological challenges.
Recent Update of Sivok- Rangpo Rail Project:
- IRCON has successfully launched two 69-meter-long Open Web girders for Bridge No. 6 on the Sivok–Rangpo Rail Project, marking a significant milestone in strengthening rail connectivity between West Bengal and Sikkim. The massive girders, weighing 810 metric tons (excluding the Launching Nose), were launched at a height of 40 meters using the innovative Launching Nose method, showcasing precision engineering in challenging terrain.
- In a major development, Siemens Limited has secured a Rs. 210 crore contract from IRCON International for the electrification of the Sivok–Rangpo rail line—set to become Sikkim’s first electrified railway line. The project will incorporate sustainable rail technologies, including Rigid Overhead Catenary Systems, predictive maintenance, and eco-friendly practices, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and boosting sustainable transport in the Himalayan region.
The 44.96 km long Sivok-Rangpo rail line comprises:
- Tunnels: 38.623 km (86% of the route)
- Bridges: 2.24 km (5% of the route)
- Station yards/open cutting/filling: 4.79 km (9% of the route)
The predominance of tunnels highlights the complexity of the alignment through the mountainous terrain of the Eastern Himalayas.
Conclusion:
The successful girder erection on Bridge No. 15 reinforces IRCON’s engineering excellence and resilience in navigating complex terrains. As the Sivok-Rangpo project progresses, it promises to bring Sikkim closer to the national rail network, boosting accessibility, regional development, and strategic infrastructure in India’s northeastern frontier.
Source: IRCON | Images Credit: IRCON
