AGARTALA, March 23 (TIWN): Highlighting on the economic relation with railway connectivity, Central BJP Minister of State (Independent Charge) Railways, Rajen Gohain at State Guest House said, "After Railway was introduced in Tripura, there is a huge upliftment of Agartala City, proving the importance of connectivity in shaping up economy". Addressing the media, the Minister said, "There are plenty of demands from Tripura as well as other NE states. Each of the states have their own demands and our govt is ready to fulfill all the demands, but everything will be done in synchronized manner and one-after-one". "The rail-line will reach till Garji (Udaipur-South way area) within 2017, whereas Railway work on upto Belonia will begin from the next year", Minister said. Gohain further mentioned that 'the alternative rail-line was also discussed while talking to the Chief Minister and the Governor; however, fund will be sanctioned for the survey into the project. Also, as the alternative way via Pecahrthal-Kamalpur-Dharmanagar-Agartala-Udaipur-upto Belonia, will be brought under special survey to find out whether the routes will be appropriate or not; or there may be better ways into it', said the Minister.

'The meetings with Governor and CM were very fruitful and also discussion was held on tunnel construction in between Udaipur-Sabroom, pantry car launching. However, pantry car in Tripura Sundari Express will take some time", Gohain added.

Stressing upon Indo-Bangla rail connectivity, Minister said that there can be 3 ways to connect with Bangladesh : 1) Agartala-Bangladesh, 2)Belonia to Bangladesh or 3) Sabroom to Bangladesh. But Agartala-Bangldesh will be the shortest journey in this regard.

Minister also said, 'Not only Bangladesh, but to operate NE as Southeast Asia's Gateway, Mayanmar can also be connected; and Bangladesh may be connected to any of NE States. However, like other NE states, under Act East Policy Tripura will be getting more and more train facilities, there is no doubt about this', said the Minister. 

NFR GM Harkishan Jaggi also assisted the Minister at State Guest House in the press meet.