NEW DELHI, Feb 24 � Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday outlined a plan for overall development of railways in the North-east by proposing to draw up a Master Plan for development of rail infrastructure in consultation with the �North-east Development Council� and concerned State authorities.
The proposal was the only major announcement in the Railway Budget for 2010-2011 concerning the North-east. Only one new train has been proposed, while Shillong is being brought on the railway map of the country.
The Railway Minister has proposed to start five state-of-the-art wagon factories, including one in Guwahati, under PPP mode in joint venture.
The over two-hour-long Budget address, marked by chaotic scenes, saw the Railway Minister in her combative best, as she countered charges of focusing only on West Bengal. Upset with her Budget speech, SK Bwiswmutiary after a short protest staged a walk out from the House, while State BJP MPs Ramen Deka, Bijoya Chakravarty and Kabindra Purkayastha protested the �raw deal� given to the region.
Banerjee made a passing reference about the 10 national projects, and blamed the internal security situation for the delays in their execution. Adverse law and order condition are affecting the progress on some of the projects. However, she assured that adequate funds were being provided.
She stressed that despite the adverse condition, the Lumding-Silchar gauge conversion project has been given special priority for expeditious completion. The work of Byrnihat-Shillong has also been included in this Budget, as a national project for providing rail connectivity to the capital of Meghalaya, Banerjee said.
The proposal for gauge conversion for the next fiscal includes Fakiragram-Dhubri section.
A new train service called Karmabhoomi Train proposed to be introduced includes Guwahati-Mumbai (weekly) via Howrah-Tatanagar-Jharsuguda-Bilaspara-Nagpur. The proposal includes a set of three new trains.
Banerjee�s Budget proposal also includes introduction of Guwahati-Mariani Inter-city (daily) following huge public demands.
For short distance travel Banerjee has proposed introduction of a number of MEMU and DEMU trains next fiscal including Fakiragram-Dhubri Passenger, to be introduced after gauge conversion.
The 2235/2236 New Delhi-Guwahati Rajdhani Express has been extended to Dibrugarh, it was proposed.
The Budgetary proposal for new line surveys includes Jogighopa to Guwahati via Barpeta, Sarthebari and North Lakhimpur-Along-Silapathar.
The Railway Minister further proposed to take up construction of 93 multi-functional complexes including Dibrugarh town, Dimapur and Agartala.
The Railway Minister further unveiled plans to introduce Socially Desirable Rail Connectivity in 57 areas. The proposals that include linking backward areas like Rangpo-Gangtok section and Jogighopa to Silchar via Panchratna in the North-east.
The Railway Ministry also proposed to spread its wings by introducing services in to neighbouring country. Banerjee promised to provide rail link between Akhaura on Bangladesh side and Agartala. This link would also provide a shorter rail route between West Bengal and the North-Eastern region via Bangladesh.
�We maintain good relations with our neighbours. Railway systems in these countries are facing several problems due to their relatively small and isolated networks. The Trans-Asian Railway network provides a great opportunity for their integration.
