Construction of Railway Line upto China Border

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Railways
31-July, 2015 15:16 IST
Construction of Railway Line upto China Border

The proposal for construction of railway lines along China border has been initiated by Ministry of Defence as strategic line. Ministry of Defence has identified four strategic lines along India-China border viz. (i) Missamari – Tenga – Tawang (378 Km.) (ii) Bilaspur – Manali – Leh (498 Km.) (iii) Pasighat – Tezu – Rupai (227 Km.) and (iv) North Lakhimpur - Bame (Along) – Silapathar (249 Km.). Ministry of Railways has requested Ministry of Defence to convey approval to carry out Final Location Survey at a cost of Rs. 345 Crores and provide the necessary funds. None of these projects has been sanctioned. The time of completion and cost cannot be ascertained till completion of the Final Location Survey and detailed geo-technical studies, as all these projects pass through very difficult terrains of young Himalayas.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

****

 

[Hindustani78]

The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju addressing at the flag-off ceremony of the Dekargaon Bhalukpong Express from Bhalukpong under West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh on August 10, 2015.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju flagging off the Dekargaon Bhalukpong Express from Bhalukpong under West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh on August 10, 2015.

The Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (Independent Charge), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal flagging off the Murkongselek-Guwahati Inter City Express and Murkongselek-Dekargaon Express, at Murkongselek Railway Station, in Assam on August 10, 2015. Shri R.S. Birdi, GM NF Railway and other dignitaries are also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Railways
10-August-2015 17:50 IST

Suresh Prabhu inaugurates newly converted North Lakhimpur – Murkongselek and Balipara – Bhalukpong sections into broad-gauge by flagging off new Train Services

A Programme was held in Rail Bhawan today wherein Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu inaugurated new train services after the completion of North Lakhimpur – Murkongselek and Balipara – Bhalukpong sections into broad-gauge. The programme was organized through video-conferencing between Rail Bhawan (New Delhi) and Murkongselek (Assam) and also between Rail Bhawan (New Delhi) and Bhalukpong (Arunachal Pradesh). At New Delhi side, besides the Railway Minister, Shri Manoj Sinha, Minister of State for Railways, Shri Bhubaneswar KalitaMember of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Chairman Railway Board Shri A. K. Mital, Member Engineering, Railway Board Shri V. K. Gupta and other Railway Board Member were among those present on the occasion.

At Murkongselek side, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and at Bhalukpong side, Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State Ministry of Home Affairs were among those present on the occasion.

Following trains were flagged off on the occasion: -

1. 15613/15614 Guwahati-Murkongselek Intercity Express (Daily)


2. 55719/55720 Dekargaon-Bhalukpong Passenger (on newly gauge-converted Ballipara-Bhalukpong section)


3. Extension of 55429/55430 Rangiya-Rangapara North Passenger upto Dekargaon with New Nos. 55721/55722.


4. Extension of 55613/55614 of Dekargaon-Harmuti Passenger upto Murkongselek with new No. 55813/55814


5. Increase in frequency of 15903/15904 Dibrugarh-Chandigarh Express from Weekly to Bi-weekly announced in Railway Budget 2012-13.


Speaking on the occasion, the Railway Minister said that it is a “Golden Day” in the history of the State of Arunachal Pradesh, as it is getting second Broad Gauge connectivity with the commissioning of Balipara – Bhalukpong gauge conversion today. Earlier this year, the State Capital Itanagar was provided connectivity with the National Capital through a direct train. I am sure this rail connectivity will bring prosperity in the lives of people of this State.

Shri Suresh Prabhu further said that alongwith this, commissioning of newly converted North Lakhimpur – Murkongselek section marks the completion of Rangiya – Murkongselek Gauge Conversion project running all along the North Bank of Brahmaputra. This will start a new era of development for the people of this region. This will also serve the defence needs of our country. This 510 Km Gauge Conversion project costing about Rs 3600 crores was sanctioned in 2002-03. The project suffered delay mainly due to funds constraint in the past. But in 2014-15, an outlay of Rs 713 crores was provided for this line and the balance Rs 300 crores has been provided in 2015-16. The results are visible as we are today opening the entire project.

Shri Suresh Prabhu said that to augment, Railway network in N.E. region, 13 new lines, 3 Gauge Conversion and 4 Doubling projects with balance fund requirement of Rs.37000 crore have been taken up. These projects on completion will augment network by 1915 km. He pointed out that rail connectivity to North-Eastern States has been made a mission item by the new government, as we provided an all time high budget allotment of Rs 5200 crores to the projects in this region in 2014-15, which is over 50% more than 2013-14. This tempo has been maintained in 2015-16 also by providing Rs 5300 crores.

Shri Suresh Prabhu said that hon’ble Prime Minister has always been emphasizing on developing infrastructure in all the 8 North-Eastern Sisters which include Sikkim. We will continue to have best ever relationship with all the 8 Sister States.

Shri Suresh Prabhu said presently, only the capitals of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh are on Broad Gauge network, and Capital of Tripura is connected with Meter Gauge. While Agartala, the Capital of Tripura is all set to be on Broad Gauge network by March, 2016, it will be our endeavour to connect the state capitals of Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur and Meghalaya by rail with the rest of the country in next 5-7 years. For this, all of us have to work together.

Shri Suresh Prabhu said that Railways have been commissioning about 133 Km Broad Gauge track every year in the North Eastern region in last 4-5 years. In 2014-15, a record was made when about 450 Km of lines were commissioned. This year again, we are all set to achieve a new record of commissioning of about 550 kilometres of Broad Gauge lines in this region. The Railway Minister also informed that Bogibeel Bridge over river Brahmaputra is also progressing well and its completion in June, 2017 will change the landscape of this area.

Shri Suresh Prabhu said that the Railways has been playing a major role in serving the infrastructural needs of the Northeast and will continue to contribute to the socio – economical development of this region.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Railway Shri Manoj Sinha said that it has been the important priority of the Government to develop best possible infrastructure in the north-eastern States. Indian Railways is also committed to provide better railway connectivity in the region. Indian Railways has really completed these significant gauge conversion projects which have made possible flagging off of new trains today in this area. Shri Sinha appreciated the Engineers of Indian Railways who have been accomplishing Engineering marvel in developing railway connectivity in the region.

In his message, Chairman, Railway Board, Shri A. K. Mital said that the entire Metre Gauge in NE Region will get replaced with Broad Gauge by March, 2016 and all the States of NE Region, except Sikkim will have Broad Gauge connectivity in this financial year. Agartala, the capital of Tripura will come on Broad Gauge network by March, 2016, fulfilling the long cherished dream of the people of this State.

In his message, Member Engineering, Railway Board, Shri V. K. Gupta said that it is a momentous occasion when newly converted North Lakhimpur – Murkongselek and Balipara – Bhalukpong sections are being inaugurated by the Minister for Railways. Shri Gupta mentioned that with completion of North Lakhimpur – Murkongselek section, the entire 510 Km long Rangiya – Murkongselek route along the North Bank of Brahmaputra has come on Broad Gauge. This is a significant event for a large population residing along the North Bank of Brahmaputra and the people of Arunachal Pradesh, as it will usher a new era of development in the region. He further pointed out that with the conversion of Balipara – Bhalukpong Metre Gauge line into Broad Gauge, Arunachal Pradesh has got its second Broad Gauge connectivity, apart from Naharlagun (Itanagar). Both these lines are also important from strategic point of view as they will facilitate seamless movement of troupes to safeguard our frontiers.

The Union Minister for Railways, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu flagging off the new train services after the completion of North Lakhimpur-Murkongselek and Balipara-Bhalukpong sections into broad-gauge, through Video conferencing from Rail Bhavan, in New Delhi on August 10, 2015. The Minister of State for Railways, Shri Manoj Sinha, the Chairman, Railway Board, Shri A.K. Mital and other Board Members are also seen.

The Union Minister for Railways, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu addressing after flagging off the new train services after the completion of North Lakhimpur-Murkongselek and Balipara-Bhalukpong sections into broad-gauge, through Video conferencing from Rail Bhavan, in New Delhi on August 10, 2015. The Minister of State for Railways, Shri Manoj Sinha, the Chairman, Railway Board, Shri A.K. Mital and other Board Members are also seen.

 

[Echo_419]

Ministry of Railways
31-July, 2015 15:16 IST
Construction of Railway Line upto China Border

The proposal for construction of railway lines along China border has been initiated by Ministry of Defence as strategic line. Ministry of Defence has identified four strategic lines along India-China border viz. (i) Missamari – Tenga – Tawang (378 Km.) (ii) Bilaspur – Manali – Leh (498 Km.) (iii) Pasighat – Tezu – Rupai (227 Km.) and (iv) North Lakhimpur - Bame (Along) – Silapathar (249 Km.). Ministry of Railways has requested Ministry of Defence to convey approval to carry out Final Location Survey at a cost of Rs. 345 Crores and provide the necessary funds. None of these projects has been sanctioned. The time of completion and cost cannot be ascertained till completion of the Final Location Survey and detailed geo-technical studies, as all these projects pass through very difficult terrains of young Himalayas.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

****

This means around 1,000 km of rail lines are bing constructed in NE

 

[Hindustani78]

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[Hindustani78]

SAMBA (J&K): Work is being expedited on improving surface connectivity and communication along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, with 1425 kms of road length being taken up, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said today while acknowledging problems on these aspects

He also said that ITBP, which guards 3488 kms of the border with China with "determination and dedication", should get better equipment and a large number of facilities which are scarce for them.

The Minister, while interacting with ITBP officers and jawans here, also said that he will try to clear "within days" the proposal of setting up of 8 battalions of ITBP, 40 border posts, 12 subsidary posts and 12 staging camps.

On communication front, he said the government has given approval for mobile towers to 34 BOPs and that work has started on setting up of mobile towers.

"I was telling your DG that I do not want to make only promises to you," Singh said as he, accompanied by ITBP chief Krishen Choudhary, began a three-day visit to Jammu and Ladakh to take stock of the situation on the International Border in the Jammu region and the LAC between India and China in the Ladakh region of the state.

"There is a problem of road connectivity in these areas. I have knowledge of this. There is also problem of communication along the borderline," the Home Minister said.

"In 2008, construction of 804 kms of road length along India-China border was approved but due to some reasons, 804 kms road length could not be constructed but 191 km road length has been set up and work is on for the rest (613 kms) of the project," he said

"In second phase, we have decided to construct 812 km of road length," he said.

He said he also feels that jawans of ITBP should get better equipment and there is scarcity of large number of facilities which should also made available to them.

"The biggest problem on Sino-India border is road connectivity.... "I want to assure you... I am always committed to removing your difficulties because you are guarding the Indo-China border", the Home Minister said.

Singh, before flying to Leh, said "I am happy to meet the officers and jawans who are serving in most difficult and remote areas while guarding the borders."

He said the government wants to strengthen and equip the guarding border forces and "we are working on it".

He said he got to know about difficulties and problems faced by para military forces when he took the responsibility of Ministry of Home Affairs.

"One of the DGs of the para military forces told me that the biggest problem with our jawans is that if a jawan gets injured in an operation or is hospitalized, they are considered as 'off duty'. I was pained after hearing this and September last year, I issued an order that they should be treated on duty during the period," the minister said.

On LTC, he said that he will take up the matter with Department of Personnel after returning to Delhi.

Medals for jawans posted in high altitude areas above 9000 feet will also be approved, he said.

Singh said there is a proposal for setting up a transit camp for 240 persons in Leh to ensure better acclimatization and this proposal is going to be approved soon.

"There are 7 battalions of ITBP in Ladakh. They are posted in high altitude areas," he noted.

The Home Minister, who was to inaugurate an ITBP camp in Samba which is close to Pakistan and far away from China border, made it clear that ITBP is not being posted to guard the International Border with Pakistan in Jammu region where BSF is deployed.

"The campus of ITBP which has been set up here is carved out under special experiment. I can say that Samba is the first step on road to Ladakh. It is a place where 'Him Vir'(snow warriors) are being trained and prepared for their onward journey to Ladakh. It is because of this reason that I have started three days visit to Ladakh from this place," he said.


"I consider the ITBP jawans not only 'him vir' but also the sons of Himalaya. On one side, the natural ranges of Himalaya are standing tall like the guardians of our borders and in their lap, our jawans guard the borderlines with China with vigilance and alertness," the Home Minister said.


He said said earlier the DG of para military forces could spend upto Rs five crore without MHA approval and the cap has now been raised to Rs 20 crore by him.

"You are not only guarding the border along India-China but also actively taking role in rescue and relief operation during national calamity, earthquake and floods. You are the first respondents to such calamities," Singh said.


"You have saved the lives of many people by undertaking rescue and relief operation. People of the country have full faith on you," he said.

Apart from border guarding, Singh said ITBP had done superb work when there was an attack on Indian Consulate in Afghanistan and the personnel of the force played a miraculous role by saving the lives of people.


"When the people got reports about your role played during the attack through news channels and print media, people felt proud about your act. It is because of that ITBP got Shourya Chakra," he said.


The Home Minister said initially he was not aware that ITBP is also used in fight against naxalism and believed that only CRPF is engaged in it. "Now I am happy. I feel proud of you that people have faith in you," he said.


He said the governments of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Maharashtra have asked for ITBP for their security duty in naxal areas as they have power to give them befitting reply.


He said for Jammu and Kashmir, there is a relaxation in the height for those being recruited in the forces. For the boys category, it is 165 centimeter and for girls category it is 155 centimeters as compared to 170 centimeters for boys and 157 centimeters for girls elsewhere in the country.

 

[Perpendicular]

Thanks China for the inspiration.
Now we should follow your lead to build rapid deployment infrastructure.

 

[Hindustani78]

Three key roads in Ladakh to be constructed soon: Rajnath | Zee News
Last Updated: Wednesday, September 23, 2015 - 19:48

Leh: Three key roads in Ladakh which give access to security forces to several strategic locations, including Siachen, will soon be constructed with Home Minister Rajnath Singh ordering expeditious completion of the work.

The directive was given after the two-day visit of the Home Minister to Ladakh region where he had a first-hand experience about the difficult life in inhospitable terrain in the icy heights of Himalayas along China border.

The roads connecting Leh-Demchok, Chuchul-Luma and Durbuk-Trijunction, which leads to the Siachen base camp, will be constructed as early as possible, official sources said.

All other roads having strategic importance will also be expeditiously constructed as the Home Minister has given necessary directions to concerned agencies.

Singh, who spent two nights, including one at ITBP border post Dungti, located at an altitude of 13,648 feet above sea level, also ordered construction of infrastructure for improving mobile telephone network in the region.

The Home Ministry's project for construction of 27 roads for the movement of troops of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), which guards the Sino-Indian border, has been very slow as only three roads have been built till last year end.

The roads are to be constructed along the border in Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Uttarakhand.

The plan envisages construction of 804 km of roads and the project will cost an estimated Rs 1,937 crore. However, just 200 km of the road has been constructed so far.

During the visit, Singh had to abandon his helicopter and take a road trip to Dungti, some 200 km from here. It took seven hours for the Home Minister to reach the destination, which is just 3 km from the Line of Actual Control and situated on the bank of Indus.

Singh became the first Union Home Minister to spend a night at a border outpost which has very basic infrastructure.

The Home Minister and Director General of ITBP Krishna Chaudhary slept in two available beds while rest of the entourage had to sleep in sleeping bags in very cool environment at 5 degrees Celsius.

Addressing ITBP jawans, Singh said government is committed to strengthen its road and telecom network to improve connectivity in far flung border areas of the country.

He said there are issues of road and telecom connectivity in Ladakh region where ITBP personnel are serving at very high altitude in the forward areas.

Singh said it was an amazing learning experience for him. "On reaching Tagyarmale post, I had the first-hand account of the situation near the Line of Actual Control," he said.

The ITBP jawans also shared their harsh and treacherous working conditions and freely expressed their experiences with the Home Minister.

Singh said the ITBP jawans are working in extremely harsh and inhospitable conditions. "I salute the ITBP jawans and officers for their courage, steadfastness and their indomitable spirit to conquer all odds," he said.

He assured them that he will do his best to see that the they get all necessary assistance and care from government as they are committed to the safety and security of the country.

The ITBP DG said the entire ITBP family was extremely happy after the last night spent by the Home Minister with the jawans at the Dungti BOP and it has raised their level of confidence and morale to take up their assignments more effectively.

PTI

 

[Assange]

Thank you China....For bring development into Northeastern States of India....

 

[Hindustani78]

Thank you China....For bring development into Northeastern States of India....

The roads are to be constructed along the border in Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Uttarakhand.

 

[Assange]

The roads are to be constructed along the border in Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Uttarakhand.

Tell me when did our government take these matters into consideration....It happened only when our government realized that China has already done it on its side.....

So we should thank China for it...

 

[Hindustani78]

Tell me when did our government take these matters into consideration....It happened only when our government realized that China has already done it on its side.....

So we should thank China for it...

"In 2008, construction of 804 kms of road length along India-China border was approved but due to some reasons, 804 kms road length could not be constructed but 191 km road length has been set up and work is on for the rest (613 kms) of the project," he said

 

[Imran Khan]

connect it with china you you have rail link

 

[Hindustani78]

connect it with china you you have rail link

In peaceful times, Yes it can be connected.

 

[Imran Khan]

In peaceful times, Yes it can be connected.

in war time disconnect ?