Initiative for 430-km-long railway line

Shillong, Jul 11 (UNI) The Railways have stepped up the initiative for a 430-km-long railway line from Jogighopa (Pancharatna) to Silchar in Asom via Meghalaya's border with Bangladesh.

The Modern Cartographic Centre, Survey of India, Dehra Dun, had conducted reconnaissance survey for the construction of broad gauge railway line by digitisation of toposheets '' The proposed railway line will improve rail connectivity and uplift the economy of the remotest areas in the region, '' Meghalaya Chief Secretary Ranjan Chatterjee told reporters here today.

The proposed railway line, falling in Ekhipur, South Salmara, Singimari, Mankachar, Kherapara, Burengapara, Panikundo, Baghmara, Shella, Dawki and Malaipur before reaching Asom's Silchar, could be a boon to the local population.

In the recent sectoral summit of the North Eastern Council, Mr Chatterjee said the Meghalaya government had pressed for early completion of the survey and taking up construction of the broad gauge in its side.

He said the total length of railway alignment will be around 430 km and out of which 180 km line will be in close proximity to the Indo-Bangla border.

The Railway Ministry had sought necessary clearance from Chief Engineer, Headquarters' Eastern Command Engineering branch for finalising the railway project.

Mr Chatterjee hoped the railways would be able to attract the goods and passenger traffic in a big way once the new line is laid.

Besides, it will give a big boost to the marketing of hill produce, pilgrim tourism and tourist arrivals.

Stating the Union government's policy to connect all state capitals by railway, the Chief Secretary said as first step the government requested the Railway Ministry to start the line from Guwahati to Byrnihat, and gradually up to Nongpoh and then to the capital.

Once the railway connectivity was completed, it will be of tremendous help to the farming community to sell their produce outside the state and also facilitate people for their movement at cheaper rate, thus the essentials brought from outside the state would be considerably available at lower price.

UNI