Sikkim Web

Rs 8.48 Crore Sanctioned for Melli–Dentam Railway Line Survey in Sikkim

In a major boost to Sikkim’s railway expansion, the Ministry of Railways has sanctioned Rs 8.48 crore for the Final Location Survey (FLS) of the proposed Melli–Dentam railway line. The 75-km route will connect Melli, Jorethang, Legship, and Dentam, extending rail connectivity to South and West Sikkim.

Sikkim MP Indra Hang S***a, who had been pursuing the project with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, thanked the Minister for approving the funds and also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) and Governor O.P. Mathur for their support.

S***a said the project will be “a game-changer for West Sikkim, enhancing connectivity, tourism, and economic growth.” The Melli–Dentam link is envisioned as a strategic extension of the Sevoke–Rangpo railway project, which is nearing completion.

📸 File photo: MP Indra Hang S***a submitting the proposal to the Railway Minister.

Flavored Water Declared Unsafe in Sikkim, Immediate Recall Ordered

Namchi | The Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim, has ordered an immediate recall of all flavored water products manufactured by M/s Basic Royal Norla Water Manufacturing Plant at Boomtar, Namchi District.

The action comes after the Food Safety Officer, along with officials from the State Food Testing Laboratory (SFTL), inspected the plant on September 15, 2025, following a public complaint. Samples of Mint and Apple flavored water were collected and sent for testing.

Laboratory reports from SFTL and NABL-accredited facilities confirmed the presence of coliform bacteria, declaring the products as “Unsafe Food.”

In response, the department has prohibited the manufacture and sale of all flavored and packaged drinking water from the said unit under Section 36 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The manufacturer has been instructed to recall all products from the market immediately and submit detailed recall data to the authorities to safeguard public health.