The correct answer is: All of the above.
Sikkim is a landlocked state in the eastern Himalayas. It is bordered by Bhutan to the west, China to the north and east, and West Bengal to the south. The state has a population of about 610,000 people and a land area of about 7,000 square kilometers.
Sikkim is a mountainous state with a high altitude. The average elevation of the state is about 2,000 meters above sea level. The highest point in Sikkim is Mount Kanchenjunga, which is the third highest mountain in the world.
The transportation infrastructure in Sikkim is underdeveloped. The state has a limited number of roads and railways. The roads in Sikkim are often narrow and winding. The railways in Sikkim are also limited. The only railway line in Sikkim is the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The transportation challenges in Sikkim make it difficult to:
- Transport minerals to processing units: The transportation of minerals from the mining areas to the processing units is difficult due to the lack of roads and railways. The minerals have to be transported by trucks, which is a time-consuming and expensive process.
- Access remote mining areas: The access to remote mining areas is difficult due to the mountainous terrain. The mining areas are often located in remote areas, which are difficult to reach by road or rail.
- Export minerals: The export of minerals from Sikkim is difficult due to the lack of infrastructure. The minerals have to be transported by road or rail to the nearest port, which is a time-consuming and expensive process.
The transportation challenges in Sikkim have a negative impact on the economy of the state. The state is unable to exploit its mineral resources due to the lack of infrastructure. The transportation challenges also make it difficult for the state to export its products.