“North-East India Anticipates First International Cross-Border Railway Connectivity Amidst Central Government’s Commitment to Border Area Development”
In a significant move highlighting the commitment of the Narendra Modi-led Central government towards enhancing connectivity in border regions, Sabyasachi De, the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of the Northeast Frontier Railway, announced on 26th August that North-East India is on the brink of achieving its first international cross-border railway connectivity.
De, a senior railway official, underscored that a substantial sum of Rs. 1.20 lakh crore has been allocated for the pioneering development of railway infrastructure in the hilly and border areas of the Northeast. This financial commitment marks a monumental step towards fostering comprehensive growth and progress in the region.
Speaking about the railway’s initiatives to bolster border connectivity, De said, “Our primary focus is on areas adjacent to the Indo-China border. We are also directing our efforts towards enhancing connectivity with Myanmar; the Imphal-Moreh line has already received preliminary approval.” He further elaborated on the strategic progress, stating, “We’ve also secured approval for the Sairang-Hbichhuah railway line, located in the southern part of Mizoram. This line is integral to the Kaladan Multimodal Project. Additionally, the Kokrajhar-Gelephu railway line, which connects Bhutan, has been approved. In a short span, the Agartala-Akhaura railway project will also commence, facilitating North-East India’s inaugural international cross-border railway connectivity.”
Elaborating on the multifaceted cross-border projects in motion, De highlighted the Mahisasan zero point in Assam, emphasizing the railway’s intention to interconnect all border areas and foster increased trade with neighboring countries. “The Sairang-Hbichhuah railway project will serve as a gateway to the Sittwe Port in Myanmar, opening new avenues for trade and transit,” De added.
A pivotal element in the North-Eastern development narrative, the Mahisasan railway station’s restoration is expected to invigorate the region and significantly bolster India’s trade and transit relationship with Bangladesh.
Earlier, on May 9, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister Admiral Tin Aung San jointly inaugurated the Sittwe Port in Myanmar, marking a historic step towards facilitating smoother goods transportation to North-East India. Reflecting on this achievement, De noted that the objective is to facilitate the movement of goods into North-East India with enhanced efficiency and logistical ease. “This, in turn, will contribute to cost reduction for products in this part of the country, with the railway system playing a pivotal role,” he emphasized.
De reiterated that North-East India’s vital projects include capital connectivity ventures aimed at linking Sikkim, Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland. “We have successfully connected all the remaining states in the North East. Additionally, new line sections like Murkongselek-Pasighat are underway, extending the railway line from Assam’s Murkongselek to Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh,” De stated, outlining the railway’s comprehensive expansion strategy.
Detailing the financial thrust behind these ambitious projects, De shared that the Railway Ministry has sanctioned projects worth Rs.1.20 lakh crore for border area connectivity in the current financial year. This significant investment underscores the government’s resolve to establish vital railway connections in the border regions of the North East, with a primary focus on Arunachal Pradesh.
“Moreover, our station development projects, like the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, are gaining momentum. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for the development of 508 stations across the country, including 32 in Assam and 56 stations in the Northeastern region, representing an investment exceeding Rs. 1200 crore,” De explained. He also highlighted major station redevelopment initiatives, such as the transformation of New Jalpaiguri into a gateway for North-East India and the revitalization of Dimapur railway station in Nagaland.
Regarding electrification efforts, De revealed that electrification works in stations across the North East are nearing completion. “Most of the sections have been electrified, including Meghalaya’s Mendipathar. By the end of this financial year, we expect the entire North East to be electrified,” he affirmed.
“In the current financial year, we have allocated over Rs. 1 lakh crore for project completions. This significant investment highlights the government’s strong focus on railway development in the North East,” De emphasized. He also shared that various projects are in the preliminary and final location survey stages, suggesting that significant progress will be visible over the next decade.
De concluded by addressing the preservation of wildlife in the region, noting that the Northeast Frontier Railway has pioneered wildlife protection efforts by implementing an Intrusion Detection System. This system covers critical elephant corridors, ensuring the safety of both animals and rail operations. “Innovative and challenging initiatives continue to shape the North Eastern region’s progress,” De concluded, highlighting the railway’s multifaceted role in fostering comprehensive growth and connectivity in the vibrant North-Eastern landscape.
News Mania Desk / Agnibeena Ghosh 29th August 2023
