Title - Sarkar meets Kharge, seeks speedy implementation of projects

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar today asked the Railway Ministry to expedite implementation of pending rail projects in the state to improve connectivity and spur economic growth.

In a meeting with Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge, Sarkar sought immediate release of funds for laying of new tracks between Agartala and Sabroom and the Lumding-Silchar- Agartala gauge conversion project.

He also asked the Railway Minister to ensure expeditious implementation of the project to link Agartala with Akhaura in neighbouring Bangladesh.

India and Bangladesh had signed a MoU on May 21 for the project. Of the 15.054 km railway track, only 5 km fall in Indian side and the rest is in Bangladesh.

During Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to New Delhi in January 2010, the two countries had agreed to lay the tracks between Akhaura and Agartala.

Sarkar told Kharge that Bangladesh government had already started the land acquisition process while the same was yet to start on the Indian side.

He also demanded setting up of a Railway division office in Tripura.

Tripura government officials said Kharge told Sarkar that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would soon hold a meeting with his ministry to take stock of implementation of various key railway projects.

Acting chairman of Railway Board Arunendra Kumar, who was also present in the meeting, said the ministry was working on the Agartala-Akhaura Railway link project.