Rail track survey in Mizoram complete

Newmai News Network
Aizawl, July 5:  Final Location Survey (FLS) has been completed on the proposed new rail track between Bairabi to Sairang spanning 50.90 km in length in Mizoram, said chairman of the Mizoram State Level Railway Task Force Zasanga while interacting with the media in Aizawl.

The survey report will be submitted to the Union Railway Ministry and after approving the survey, works for construction of the new rail link will be started, added the chairman.

The survey work was carried out by M/S RITES (Rail India Technical & Economic Services) and had already submitted the report to the railway ministry through the North East Frontier Railway general manager. Tender for further work will be floated after the approval of the survey, said Zasanga.

Expressing their happiness to the state, officials from M/S RITES informed the media that in cooperation with the Ministry of Railway, they had been doing this survey work in various parts of India but never find such a pleasant place to work like Mizoram. "Mizoram is the only state where we received best support from the people. North East region is infested with militants related incidents but we are indeed thankful to the state government for proving that Mizoram is one of the peaceful state in India," said in a statement by M/S RITES. The company is also trying to make Sairang railway station 'a model station'.

The team includes four MLAs, they are: Lal Thansanga, K Liantlinga, Hmingdailova Khiangte, C Ramhluna and RK Thanga, IRTS (retd). The team will discuss the issue of cricket stadium and railway station at Sihhmui with the chief minister Lal Thanhawla and cricket association of Mizoram.

Sihhmui station has been planned to accomodate IOC depots and 8 rail coaches. Zasanga had earlier said, "This will be a big boost to state government as fuel will be transported from Silchar with cheaper rates. The locations of the depots will be arranged by the deputy commissioner."

Though the previous estimated cost of this project was Rs 519.34 crores but according to officials from State Level Task Force the estimated cost is doubled by the railway ministry.

75% of the total budget for the project is funded by the centre while the additional 25% has been  by the Railway Ministry. The railway project has been started since 1997 but due to several reasons the project could not bear fruit till now.