Rail connectivity projects in North-East get push

Rail connectivity projects in North-East have got a push from the Prime Minister, who chaired a meeting along with other Cabinet Ministers to take stock of projects which are underway.

Breathing new life into the rail connectivity projects, PM gave a nod to additional Rs 400 crore to complete connectivity rail lines to Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. These states would be connected to the rest of the country for the first time through railways.

Three projects were identified in the XI and XII plan period have got additional Rs 400 crore. Railway line between Harmati- Naharlagun will provide the rail connectivity to Arunachal Pradesh. Dudhnoi- Mehdipathar project will connect Meghalaya.

Along with that Rangapura- North Lakhimpur gauge conversion project will also receive share in the additional funding. The ministry has set the deadline of January 2014 for first trial runs.

PM has also directed the Finance Ministry to provide up to Rs 200 crore for the Lunching – Slichar gauge conversion and the Bogibeel bridge.

PM had directed the Planning Commission to call a meeting of all Chief Ministers from the North East and an empowered committee has been set up to monitor progress of the infrastructure projects.