Siliguri, West Bengal – Darjeeling MP Raju Bista has announced the approval of new train stoppages at Gulma (station code: GLMA) and Sevoke (station code: SVQ) stations, a move set to enhance regional connectivity and promote tourism in North Bengal. The development, credited to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, aims to integrate these stations more firmly into the national rail network.
In a post on X, Bista expressed gratitude on behalf of the Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency, highlighting the benefits for local commuters and travelers. Key updates include:
- The New Jalpaiguri-Alipurduar Junction Tourist Express will now stop at Gulma (GLMA), improving access to the Dooars region.
- The Alipurduar Jn – Delhi Sikkim Mahananda Express will halt at Sevoke (SVQ), facilitating better links to the hills and Northeast.
“This will firmly put Gulma and Sevoke on the national and regional rail map and will open opportunities for more trains to stop at these stations,” Bista stated. The enhancements are expected to strengthen North Bengal as a hub for travel, tourism, and seamless connectivity.
Additionally, Bista revealed that he has requested stoppages at Siliguri Junction, Bagdogra, and Naxalbari for the upcoming Panvel-Alipurduar Amrit Bharat Express, which Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to flag off next week.
The announcement includes visuals of Gulma station signboard and a train at Sevoke platform, underscoring the scenic and strategic importance of these locations in the Darjeeling hills and plains.
This initiative ties into broader railway developments in the region, including the ongoing Sivok (Sevoke)-Rangpo railway line project. The 45 km line, connecting West Bengal to Sikkim, has achieved around 85% physical progress as of late 2025, with a targeted completion by December 2027. Costing ₹7,876.92 crore, the project involves 14 tunnels and aims to provide Sikkim’s first rail link. Once launched, it will drastically reduce travel time—cutting a 5-hour road journey to less than an hour—boosting tourism, economic growth, and strategic connectivity to the Northeast. It will enhance access to Sikkim’s capital Gangtok and surrounding areas, fostering trade, employment, and eco-tourism while reducing reliance on roads prone to landslides.
This reflects ongoing Central Government support for infrastructure in North Bengal, following recent projects like the Rangapani Rail Over Bridge.
