Tripura demands for improved Communication

Agartala, Nov 17: The Tripura government has demanded improved communication network in this geographically backward state and its early implementation.

Speaking on the second day of the 53rd North Eastern Council (NEC) meeting in New Delhi yesterday, Chief Minister Manik Sarkar stressed the need of improvement in communication to facilitate trade and business with neighbouring Bangladesh.

Mr Sarkar said in view of its strategic importance in promotion of trade and commerce through sea route, via Chittagong port of southern Bangladesh, the proposed railway line up to Sabroom in southernmost district of Tripura, should be taken up as a part of the national railway project for linking this capital city.

Sabroom is located at a distance of 75 km from here, and once this was done, a new chapter would begin for the entire N E region in providing a gateway to the South East Asia, he said.

Similarly, linking the state capital with Akhaura in Bangladesh, hardly ten KM from here, by rail will be of considerable help in curtailing the distance with the main land once the government of that country becomes amenable to the idea.

''Due to geographical location, transit through Bangladesh is required to be followed up vigorously. Let us hope that after the coming elections in the neighbouring country, the Bangladesh government becomes more positive about permitting transit that will be immensely beneficial for both the countries,'' Mr Sarkar said and demanded extension of the four line national highway up to Sabroom.

He also reiterated his demand for conversion of the metre gauge railway line up to Agartala from Dharmanagar in North district to broad gauge.

Extension work for the metre gauge railway line from Manu to here was in progress and expected to be completed by next year.

UNI