Dedicated airlines for NE this year

Agartala, Jan 13 (UNI) The Centre has assured to start operation of the dedicated regional private airlines for Northeastern states by the end of this year to improve connectivity within the region.

Official sources said here today that of 23 airports of Northeast, only 11 were operating at present and by the next five years the rest will also become operational.

The sources also stated that Rs 10,000 crore would be spent for expansion of rail network in the region.

At present, the region has only three per cent of rail network in comparision to rest of the country, the sources said adding that China had shown interest to set up rail network between Sanghai and Lasha.

Commenting on foreign direct investment in the region, the sources said the government should develop infrastructure and other basic amenities to create conducive atmosphere for the investors.

Disclosing the plan, the the sources said the centre would invest Rs 50,000 crore to improve road, air and highway connectivity in the NE region in next five years.

About 20,000 broadband connections are there in the region and the connection will go up to 1,50,000 by the next year, the sources added.

UNI BB PP SW RN1455