Minister of State for Railways R. Velu reveals that the Ministry is investing Rs 1000 crore every year for development projects in NE.

The Centre has in principle agreed to connect all the State capitals of the North-Eastern region with the rest of the country by rail. This has been informed by Minister of State for Railways R Velu. Central Government has already released sufficient funds, informed the Unon Minister. Mr Velu was in Aizwal in onnection with the PIB’s Editors’ Conference. More reiterating the commitment of the Railways Ministry towards the region, he  revealed that the Ministry investing more than Rs 1000 crore every year for developmental projects in the North East Frontier Railway.

“In line with the resolution adopted by the North Eastern Council (NEC), the Union Government had decided in 1979 to connect all NE States with rail. To meet this objective, massive construction work was necessary.

Therefore, a separate construction organization, called the North East Frontier Railway Construction Organization, was set up under a separate General Manager in 1979 specifically for taking up these massive construction projects,” Velu said. To ensure that funds constraints did not slow down the projects, five of the eight new projects in these States have been declared as National Project by the Ministry of Railways.

“The completion of these projects will add 685 km of new lines to the existing network. The latest anticipated cost involved in these projects is about Rs 5695.85 crore,” the Minister added.

Mr. Velu said the Railways is also facing stiff resistance in certain pockets of North-East where there were many incidents of killing, kidnappings and other serious crimes on Railway staff, contractors and labourers. Besides this, less available time for carrying out construction work due to heavy rainfall and tough terrain are other serious impediments being faced by the Ministry. “We have been requesting the Centre and the State Governments to increase security in those disturbed pockets so that we can complete our task on time,” the minister added.

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, addressing the conference, said Mizoram had great potential, which was yet to be tapped. “Despite that Mizoram has the potential to produce 2,000 to 3,000 MW electricity,” he said adding the potential remains untapped. He said the main problem in constructing Hydel Projects in Mizoram was high price of construction materials, which are to be imported from outside.

The Chief Minister also said that road connectivity used to be a big problem in Mizoram but with the advent of the PMGSY, it has improved a lot.

Zoramthanga also stated that Mizoram has rich underground resources such as oil and gas, adding “Mizoram is literally floating on a sea of oil.” He also underlined that the State has great tourist attraction in the form of eco-friendly environment. He said the birth rate, infant mortality and death rates were satisfactory compared to other States. So far as literacy is concerned, Mizoram is the number one in India, he added. “But, that rate is being pulled down by migrants from Myanmar and elsewhere,” he said and admitted that quality of education was not up to the expectation.

On agriculture and horticulture sectors, Zoramthanga said the climate and soil of Mizoram was suitable for all types of crops.“We have identified market-friendly crops such as passion fruit and grapes for extensive commercial cultivation.”

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