An announcement has been made by the Union Government that a rail link will be made between Rangpoo and Siliguri during the 11th Five Year Plan period. Besides this, a feasibility report on linking New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal with Jorethang in the East District of Sikkim by a 75 km. broad-gauge Trans-Himalayan railway line is under active consideration by the central and state governments. The trade route through Nathu la may also necessitate the construction of railway line as much near to the trading point at Sherathang. The Chinese side is reported to be envisaging of extending their railway line from Lhasa to the trading point at Renqinggang very near to Nathu la.