Sherathang

Power Department, Government of Sikkim has recently commissioned 2X5 MVA, 66/11KV, Sherathang sub-station in the presence of Mr Phigu T. Bhutia, Principal Chief Engineer and his team of other senior officers which is the highest altitude permanent power sub-station in India and second in the world at an altitude of 13,600 feet. The substation was installed as part of the Central Government’s ‘24×7 power for all’ initiative, which aims to meet the electricity needs to many far-flung corners of the country including the troops stationed at the border areas. Workers had to cope with the high altitude, low temperatures, lack of oxygen and intense ultraviolet rays. Geographical remoteness and extreme weather, frequent blizzards and wide-ranging temperatures – between -10 and 20 C in the summer – make managing a power station a herculean task.

Sherathang Trade Mart has the highest altitude permanent internet café in the world, at an altitude of 13,600 feet. It was added to the Limca Book of Records 2007. This internet café also doubles as a photographic studio, provides scanning and faxing facilities. Internet charges are at a nominal Rs. 20 per hour. Free training courses are also given here. The café was set up by the Community Information Centre (CIC) of the Sikkim Information Technology (IT) department and inaugurated by the Chief Secretary of the hill state, N.D. Chingapa, on 21 April 2006. It is frequented by students, traders, tourists and army personnel since it is just 8km below the Nathu La Pass.

• "Highest cyber cafe under snow", The Telegraph (Calcutta, India), 2 March 2007