ITANAGAR, April 1 - Giving yet another push towards boosting communication in this strategically-located border State, the Centre has dispatched two ministers to explore the viability of connecting the border district of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh with country�s rail network.
Union Minister of State (MoS) for Communications and Railways (Independent Charge) Manoj Sinha and MoS for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, who arrived here today, announced the commencement of the final location survey of three new broad gauge rail lines at a public function at the Naharlagun railway station.
The new BG lines would run from Missamari (Bhalukpong, the last railway station on the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border) to Tawang via Tenga, second one from North Lakhimpur to Bame (Aalo) and Silapathar, and the third one from Murkongselek to Pasighat-Tezu-Parshuram Kund and Rupai.
While addressing the huge gathering on the occasion, Sinha said that the roadmap for development of the country was prepared in 2014 under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adding that the dreams of connecting the frontier State of Arunachal Pradesh had been realized thanks to the coordinated effort of all the stakeholders.
Making it clear that there is no dearth of funds for the construction of the new railway lines in the State, the Minister said that rail connectivity would not only boost economic activities in Arunachal and improve the security apparatus, but also provide employment opportunities to the youth.
In his address, Rijiju, while describing the occasion as �historic�, said that it was his dream since his entry into the hallowed Parliament to introduce railway connectivity through the rugged hills and mountains of the State, adding that it was a Herculean task but not impossible. He expressed immense happiness over the fact that his long cherished dreams had been realized, with the State finding a place in the railway map of the country.
While stating that Prime Minister Modi is genuinely concerned for the development of the Northeast, the MoS said the survey work of the new railway lines in the State should be completed by 2018 so that work could be started soon. He urged the local people to cooperate with the railways to enable the engineers and their staff to work smoothly without any hitch. �Our responsibility is to support outsiders who visit the State for execution of various developmental projects. If they feel insecure, they will leave the State without completing the projects and in the process development will suffer.�
Among others, State�s Ministers Nabam Rebia and Tamiyo Taga, Parliamentary Secretary Techi Kaso, Chief Secretary Shakuntala D Gamlin and State BJP president Tapir Gao also attended the function.
