AGARTALA, July 26 - In a major push in the Indo-Bangla rail extension project, the Centre has allocated Rs 580 crore to connect Agartala railway station with Bangladesh�s Gangasagar rail station, according to official sources.
Although the Centre has allocated the fund, it is not yet decided which Ministry will sanction the money for the five km long railway extension work. After getting the green signal from the government, Tripura Finance Minister has written a letter to the Union Finance Minister wanting to know who will fund the ambitious project.
At a high level meeting in Delhi, the NITI Aayog had cleared the project and declared it will be completed by 2017.
Confirming the development, Transport Secretary on Friday said here the State administration is ready to start land acquisition process after getting the money from the Centre. However, he said, the cost of land acquisition will be less as the major portion (3.5 km) will be an elevated corridor (overhead rail track).
As per the design, the elevated corridor will be constructed from Agartala railway station to Nishchantapur (3.5 km) while the remaining portion (1.5 km) of track will be laid on the ground.
Since the rail track in Bangladesh is still in MG format, the IRCON will have to convert it into BG so that Indian rail engines could run on Bangladesh rail track. �Under the 3.5 km long elevated corridor, a road will also be constructed for better traffic system and the State could use the road without spending money�, he said adding that the IRCON would execute the project.
Keeping in mind of future need, the Railways authority has decided to construct 17 tracks at Agartala railway station very shortly. Dismantling of old tracks have started while more overbridges will also come up.
