SILCHAR, March 15 � The expectation which began 18 years ago met with reality as the broad gauge engine whistled into Silchar railway station on Friday evening. It was a sea of enthusiastic people, young and old thronging the railway station to witness the moment that entered the pages of history.
Expressing reactions on the historic moment, local MP Susmita Dev said that the Northeast Frontier Railway did a commendable job by completing the difficult task of gauge conversion despite the hurdles. In her words, it is not the time for politics, rather a moment of great joy and celebration, and it must be shared among every one.
�It is not the time for politics. I am happy that the long cherished dream of the people of Barak Valley has finally materialised. A big thanks to former Prime Ministers HD Deve Gowda, Dr Manmohan Singh, former MPs from Barak Valley � Lalit Mohan Suklabaidya and Kabindra Purakystha,� she said.
On the other hand, Kabindra Purakystha said the promise made by Narendra Modi to the people of Barak Valley before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections has been fulfilled. This landmark achievement will not only usher development to Barak Valley but also will join neighbouring States of Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura.
Members of various organisations were also seen with banners and placards claiming for their efforts and protests in driving home the mega project.
Meanwhile, Dilip Bora, senior PRO, NF Railways (Construction), who is here, said that the first passenger train from Silchar might start from April 15. He said that after the goods train reaches here later on Sunday, officials and experts will inspect the lines and recommendations on the commencement of passenger train will be augmented which might take another 30 days.
