AGARTALA, May 29 (TIWN) : The Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (DoNER) has sanctioned first installment of Rs 150 crore to Tripura for initiating the work for construction of 15 kilometers railway track between Agartala and Akhaura (Bangladesh).

Tripura Transport Secretary Samarjit Bhowmik today said DoNER has sanctioned the fund for land acquisition of 5 kilometre areas in Indian part and other preliminary works for the railway project worth of Rs 580 crore.

He said initial survey estimated about Rs 97 crore is required for land acquisition in Indian part. Rest of the money will be spent for other initial work. DoNER is funding for construction in Indian part while remaining 10 kilometre distance in Bangladesh part will be funded by Ministry of External Affairs, Mr Bhowmik said.

“We have already reviewed the latest situation after getting the sanction order and soon we shall ask DoNER to release the fund for actual execution. The project will not get any delay due to any administrative action on our part,” he asserted.

According to report, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reviewed Agartala-Akhaura project last week and directed the concerned ministries to expedite the process so that work can be completed with the schedule.

However, there is no report of finalization of formal commissioning of train service from Agartala to Guwahati, Kolkata and New Delhi. NF Railway sources said that there is no decision about beginning of service from Agartala, as railway line in North Cachar Hill areas have not yet been okayed.