From our Special Correspondent
Silchar, Nov 18: As a part of the Act East Policy, Chief Minister Sarbanda Sonowal flagged off the bi-weekly Silchar-Trivantrapuram Express this evening in the presence of Rajen Gohain, Union Minister of State for Railways, Parimal Suklabaidya, Minister of PWD, Excise and Fisheries, Chahte Ram, General Mager, NF Railway, at a function held in the premises of Silchar railway station. The multitude of enthusiastic crowd in large number cheered the flagging off ceremony. It was yet another milestone in the history of the rail connectivity of Barak Valley.
In a short speech on the occasion, Chief Minister said that this Barak Valley would be the focal point for development as it would be connected to the much hyped dream project to link ASEAN countries by rail and road. Already, prelimiry work has started. It is also the thrust of Prime Minister rendra Modi that development of northeast region as a whole would pave the way for the development of the entire country. As of today, the iuguration of south bound train has been a long pending demand of the people of this southern Assam as there is already rail connectivity to New Delhi and Kolkata. The Chief Minister wanted that Rajen Gohain should now focus on starting a direct train from Silchar to Saurashtra. There is also proposal to connect Silchar with Dibrugarh which will bring both the valleys closer, so long kept separated by the long misrule of Congress.
Silchar to Trivantrapuram Express train will be the second long distance train in the country. At a press-meet following the flagging off ceremony, Rajen Gohain told the media-persons that the new train would go a long way to meet the long felt demand of the people for a south bound train. He added to say after the installation of NDA Government at New Delhi, there has been hectic move by the railways to increase the network of connectivity and to cover the uncovered areas. Prime Minister rendra Modi wants not only the extension of rail network but also the development of road and waterways in northeast.
Referring to the mami Barak festival, Rajen Gohain said it was not symbolic but a serious effort of the Sarbanda Sonowal Government to change the very face of Barak Valley. The Prime Minister has made it clear that nothing should come in the way of the development of this region. When asked about the long time of journey to Guwahati, the Union Minister said the problem still persists in the hills of Dima Hasao district regarded as most unstable. The possibility of double line between Silchar and Guwahati would be explored which was also shared by the Chief Minister.On the beautification and improvement of Silchar railway station, Chahte Ram said detailed survey was undertaken and it was discovered that being a landlocked station, further extension works could not be undertaken. Rather, since Silchar is listed for smart city in future, attempts would be made to shift the station from its present site to Ramgar. It would be here that the new station would come up and all necessary infrastructure built up for accommodating more trains and also for faster and comfortable journey in all directions.