North East News Agency

Progress of the ongoing railway projects in the North-Eastern region are being hampered for security threats. Labourers are not interested in working in such projects as more often than not they receive threats from various militant outfits. “Security scenario in the region for the workers is similar to that of Afghanistan of Iraq”, remarked a person who is closely associated with one construction projects in the region.

For example, doubts are being expressed over the timely completion of Kumarghat –Agartala in time due to security threat and lack of proper connectivity to worksites.

Designated construction companies have reportedly urged the North Eastern Frontier Railway (NFR) to request Tripura Government to ensure adequate security at the construction sites.

According to Railway contractors, security threat is the main hurdle to the construction works even as Chief Minister Manik Sarkar claims that security will not be problem for development work.

They said the construction of barracks at the proposed rail stations has not been taken up till date. Sources also said the State Government has failed to acquire required land for the proposed rail track. Most importantly, the NFR authorities have been facing problems in constructing bridges and tunnels on the proposed rail route that had been announced as national project.

Out of total 170 minor bridges, the construction of 162 bridges has been completed while work for eight more bridges is yet to be started.

Construction of tunnels at Longthorai Valley and Atharamura Hills have not been making good progress as expected due to militant threat. Railway contractors have also been facing problem in carrying heavy equipments due to lack of approach roads.

Considering the ground realities, contractors engaged in the proposed rail track have urged the NFR authorities to extend the deadline set by Railway Board for completion of the project. They say possibility of linking Kumarghat to Agartala within this year is remote though it was supposed to be completed by end of March 2007.

However, a team of NFR after making on the spot inspection made it clear that the project is set to be completed by end of December 2007. But Tripura Government opposed it and has put pressure on the Railway Ministry to complete the work by October 2007. The North East Frontier Railway (NFR) has claimed that the ongoing construction of rail track between Manu to Agartala has been making good process despite all odds.

The NFR has set a deadline to complete the construction of rail track from Manu to Ambassa by June this year while the stretch from Ambassa to Agartala would be completed by the end of this year, official sources said.

Around 90 per cent earthwork has been done while construction of bridges including major ones are nearing completion. The construction of tunnels has been also making good progress (70 per cent) and 50 per cent stone collection has been achieved so far.

Giving details about the progress of the on-going construction works, FS Meena, Deputy Chief Engineer, Agartala on Friday said 90 per cent construction work of stations has been done.

He said B. Choudhury, Chief Engineer NFR inspected the construction work and asked the designated contractors to expedite the work so that the project gets done in scheduled time. He, however, said there is some problem in the process of land acquisition at Jirania to set up goods transshipment. “It has not been hampering the pace of main work”, he said. “A meeting was held with Transport Minister Manik Dey recently and problem regarding land acquisition was discussed. The Minister assured that it would be sorted out shortly”, he said.

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