Indian Railways Vision Document 2020 was first conceived and came into existence way back in 2009 to address four strategic national goals: inclusive development, both geographically and socially, strengthening national integration, large-scale generation of productive employment and environmental sustainability. It has once again captured the imagination and brought some smiles last week when it was restated by NFR top officials that all Northeast state capitals are going to be connected by Broad Gauge rail link by 2020. Smiles are understandable as the history of underdevelopment of this region is nearly of epical volumes.

Transportation is the backbone of economic, cultural, social and industrial development of any country or region and it has been repeatedly acknowledged that economic and human potential of Northeast region is severely contained due to its transport infrastructure deficiency. A simple figure will magnify the actuality better. 95 percent of India’s exports to neighbouring states of Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar are from other than Northeast India. The figures should have been converse, given the fact that the region is a natural gateway for India to the East Asian and South Asian economies. But it’s the misfortune that is reality and lack of connectivity and infrastructure can be attributed singularly for it.

But now with recognizable signs of shift in policies, it seems the days of economic hibernation is going to be over. The new unanimity is this – entire nation’s growth story will pick up momentum only when the Northeast develops at the same pace in a balanced manner. The world too is eager to engage with the emerging economic hotspot, the East and noticeably, it is in the Northeast that South East Asia begins, the most appropriate region to play the decisive role for India.

And realizing that transport infrastructure will be vital to strengthen integration with the region and with rest of the country and also for India’s increased market integration with South East Asia, prime mover of the nation, Indian Railways has come to the rescue and a total of 43 projects are currently under various stages of execution by NFR.

So far as Arunachal Pradesh is concerned, survey work on a number of new railway lines have been completed, while many more are still in queue. But the most ambitious and challenging seems to be the 378 km Bhalukpong-Tenga-Tawang line at a height of 10,000 feet, planned to be implemented on priority basis due to its strategic importance from security point of view.

Just as a child connects dots to reveal a picture, joining these capitals by rail is anticipated to unveil the image of an economically vibrant Northeast. Completions should be unfailingly timely, unlike Bogibeel bridge.  

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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