‘Move to boost exports of Arunachal’s agricultural produce’
ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday urged Union Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain for a train on the lines of Shatabdi Express between Guwahati and Naharlagun, which is near the state capital Itanagar.
As Guwahati is the main connecting hub for Arunachal Pradesh, Khandu urged Gohain to introduce a day train from there to Naharlagun on the lines of Shatabdi to address the needs of the “ever growing” passengers, an official statement issued here said.
Besides, a goods train was also required from Guwahati to Naharlagun for movement of basic goods, construction materials and essential supplies.
That way the agriculture produce of the state could reach the markets outside the Northeast region through Guwahati, Khandu said.
He also urged Gohain that the weekly train from Naharlagun to Delhi be made a daily one or suitable trains from Delhi to Guwahati be extended to Naharlagun.
The Chief Minister also asked to increase the quota earmarked for Arunachal Pradesh with to and fro journey, the statement said.
The Union Minister assured him about the Shatabdi train and hike in quota for the state, the statement said.
Khandu also asked for improving the facilities at Naharlagun railway station which brought the state into railway map in April 2014.
The Chief Minister proposed seven rail links for urgent consideration of the Railways ministry, the statement said.
The proposed links are Itakhola to Seijosa (15 km), Doomdooma to Wakro via Namsai to Chokham (70 km), Dangri to Roing (52 km), Naharkatia–Deomali (20 km), Simaluguri to Kanubari (30 km).
Khandu also sought the extension of the existing Lekhapani–Miao line to Deban, New Kamlang, Nampong, Jairampur and back to Lekhapani, making a circular link (75 km) and Rupai to Parshuram Kund.
This is shortly after the C-17 Globemaster landed in the state, which was stated to have an enormous potential to boost tourism by improving connectivity to remote locations in the Northeast. (PTI)