ITANAGAR, Nov 3 - Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu today called on Union Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain in the national capital and requested him for a robust connectivity within the landlocked hilly State with Railways playing a crucial role to overcome the connectivity issues of Arunachal Pradesh.
While highlighting the key priority areas and challenges, the Chief Minister requested for construction of �railway corridor� along the foothills to establish rail connectivity to the eastern part of the State with rest of India. He proposed seven rail links namely, Itakhola to Seijosa (15 km), Doomdooma to Wakro via Namsai to Chowkham (70 km), Dangri to Roing (52 km), Naharkatia-Deomali (20 km), Simaluguri to Kanubari (30 km), extension of Lekhapani-Miao line to Deban, New Kamlang, Nampong, Jairampur and back to Lekhapani making a circular link (75 km) and Rupai to Parshuram Kund for urgent consideration of the Ministry of Railways, according to a communiqu� from the CMO here.
Khandu further pleaded that the frequency of the weekly train service from Naharlagun to New Delhi be increased to a daily train or suitable trains from Delhi-Guwahati be extended to Naharlagun. He also impressed upon the MoS for Railways for increase of the quota earmarked for Arunachal with to and fro journey.
While informing that Guwahati is the main connecting hub for Arunachal Pradesh, the CM requested to introduce a day train on the lines of �Shatabdi�, besides urging for introducing a goods train from Guwahati to Naharlagun for transportation of basic goods, construction materials and essential supplies.
�On return, the agriculture produces of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in that region can also easily reach the markets of mainland India through Guwahati,� he reasoned.
The Union Minister, while giving a patient hearing, assured all out support to Arunachal Pradesh. He assured that Shatabdi train would be started soon as requested while quota for Arunachal would also be increased.
In respect of railway recruitments, the Union Minister said that a separate recruitment process for North East is being worked out.
While saying that the border State is on high agenda of the Railway Ministry for providing rail connectivity, Gohain assured to take up the proposed new rail links on priority, the communiqu� added.
