NFR GM Meets with Governor and CM Of Mizoram
Aizwal
The General Manager, N. F. Railway, Shri H. K. Jaggi, called on the Governor of Mizoram, Lt General(Rtd.) Shri Nirbhay Sharma at Aizwal today and apprised him on the status of railway projects in the State including the 51.38 km Bhairabi – Sairang new BG railway line project. The General Manager, accompanied by the Chief Engineer of N. F. Railway Construction Organization made a presentation on the current status of the projects in Mizoram. The Governor, while assuring all help in acquiring additional land, if needed, advised that Sairang should be developed as a multi-modal transport hub and the new railway stations to be constructed in the state should reflect the cultural ethos of the northeastern region. The Governor directed the Revenue Secretary, the Transport Secretary and the Transport Consultant to the State Government of Mizoram, who were present at the meeting, to extend all possible help to the Railways in executing the developmental projects. The Governor suggested that the railway might take up some steps for the welfare of local communities, especially in the field of health and education.
Later in the day, the General Manager also met the Chief Minister of Mizoram, Shri Lalthanhawla and apprised him on the progress of the railway projects in the state. The Chief Minister said that railway should work on plans to develop Sairang as a transport hub considering the fact that it would be a major point on the Kaladan Multi-modal Transport network connecting Mizoram to the sea port of Sittwe via Kaladan river in Myanmar. The General Manager, on his part, requested for improvement of road connectivity in the State so that men and materials for the railway projects can be transported easily. While assuring all assistance, the Chief Minister urged for speedy completion of the Bhairabi – Sairang project considering its importance in future economic development of the state.
These meetings of the GM with the top brass of Mizoram assumes significance as railways ongoing project of new line from Bhairabi to Sairang is a crucial link in opening up the state to Mynmar and the far east as a part of the “Act East” policy being vigorously pursued by the Central Govt. The state in particular and the region as a whole will gain immensely after Aizawl gets linked by BG train network with rest of India and neighbouring countries. The new rail link is slated for completion by 2020.
