Prabhu launches new trains in Northeast

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu today launched new train services in the Northeast after the completion of North Lakhimpur-Murkongselek and Balipara- Bhalukpong sections into broad-gauge through video-conferencing here.

Describing the occasion as a "Golden Day" in the history of Arunachal Pradesh, Prabhu said the state is getting second Broad Gauge connectivity with the commissioning of Balipara-Bhalukpong gauge conversion.

Earlier this year, the Arunachal Pradesh capital Itanagar was provided connectivity with the National Capital through a direct train.

"I am sure this rail connectivity will bring prosperity in the lives of people of this State and will start a new era of development for the people of this region," he said.
 

The 510 km gauge conversion project costing about Rs 3600 crore was sanctioned in 2002-03. The project suffered delay mainly due to funds constraint in the past. But in 2014-15, an outlay of Rs 713 crore was provided for this line and the balance Rs 300 crore has been provided in 2015-16.

The results are visible as we are today opening the entire project, he said.

Highlighting the ongoing capacity augmentation in the region, Prabhu further said 13 new lines, 3 Gauge Conversion and 4 Doubling projects with balance fund requirement of Rs 37,000 crore have been taken up in Northeast. These projects on completion will augment network by 1915 km.