Expand rail service to Arunachal: MPs

Itanagar, Jan 10 (UNI) Members of Parliament from Arunachal Pradesh Kiren Rijiju and Nabam Rebia have urged the railway ministry to expand its operation to their state considering its strategic importance as well as for accelerating the socio-economic development of the ''hitherto neglected'' tribal state.

Attending a special meeting of the railway ministry at Rail Bhawan in Delhi recently along with other MPs from North Eastern region, they also requested to remove its 'Kala pani' tag labeled on Arunachal Pradesh taking a cue from China, which has constructed world's highest altitude rail track upto Tibet adjoining their Indian state, official sources said here today.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, in response to a letter, has informed Lok Sabha Member Rijiju that his ministry was examining a proposal for suitable modifications in protected area permit (PAP) and restricted area permit (RAP) regime and has asked the state governments concerned to send specific proposals for examination in details from security point of view, the letter added.

They also suggested immediate construction of railway line from Harmutiy in neighbouring Asom to Itanagar, rail link from Pasighat to famous Parasuram Kund in the state, improvement of existing rail line from Rangia in Asom to Murkong Selek bordering Asom, setting up of more out agencies and computerized reservation counters in each district, increasing state quota for reservation and recruitment of grade 'D' staff from the state.

Apprehending that the recent violence in Asom could affect the security of train commuters, the MPs urged the ministry to improve security on all trains running between the region and other parts of the country through Bihar.

UNI