AGARTALA, July 1 (TIWN): Uncertainty still persist over the NFR’s plan to lay mega- block on the railway track from Agartala to Lumding via Silchar as community appears major problems to bring materials for the purpose. As per the plan, the laying of mega-block would start from October 1 but bottleneck in the road connectivity especially in the hill section remains a cause of concern.

Reports said some roads at Halflong is in poor shape affecting the normal traffic in the hill region. However, the NFR authority is hopeful of commencing the work in schedule time with two major tunnels at Halflong region is getting near completion. NFR sources said the construction work for tunnel no-7 is near completion while the work for tunnel no-10 is expected to get completed by September/ October. Sources said, the NFR is virtually confused on how to execute the broad gauge conversion work from Agartala to Lumding via Silchar.

If entire project is taken up at a time, then manpower needs to be enhanced substantially. On the other hand, if the project is executed in two phases, it will take time. If the project gets delayed, transportation of essential items to Manipur, Mizoram, Cachar and Tripura will be affected severely. Now, the final decision will be taken the NFR after consultation with the state governments.

As per the plan, once the mega block laying works start, it will take six to eight months to convert the entire meter gauge line into BG facility. For that people living in Manipur, Mizoram, Cachar and Tripura will suffer on account of smooth supply of essential goods from mainland state. Sources viewed, the project would get completed smoothly if the Assam government extends full support to the NFR.