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... [read full story]