Gangtok: Chief Minister of Sikkim PS Golay recently inspected the newly established Chewabhanjyang road that connects West Sikkim with Eastern Nepal.

It is anticipated that the Chewabhanjyang route will open up new avenues of trade and commerce-related activities between the border towns of West Sikkim and Eastern Nepal.

Golay said he has placed the proposal for Chewabhanjyang international corridor during the recent NITI Aayog meeting. “The response from the Centre has been positive,” he added.

Golay added that intimation on the proposed Chewabhanjyang international corridor has been given to the Nepal government.

He confirmed that the expansion of Chewabhanjyang road to double-lane would be initiated after the fulfilment of necessary provisions such as clearance from the Forest department.

A sum of Rs 56 crore is spent by the state government of Sikkim for laying the Chewabhanjyang road.

Golay mentioned that once medical and educational facilities are majorly upgraded in West Sikkim, the benefits would also be enjoyed by the Nepalese citizens of the nearby bordering region of Nepal who cannot afford such facilities available in faraway cities like Kathmandu.

The chief minister said that easy access to neighbouring Nepal would facilitate the economic development of nearby regions through numerous inter-nation activities in the form of trade and others.

Golay also pitched for the promotion of Chewabhanjyang as a tourism destination. He added that efforts from the people on both sides of the border will help tourism flourish in the region.

The international border at Chewabhanjyang is manned by the SSB and Sikkim Armed Police along with the presence of the Forest Department.

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