DIMAPUR, MARCH 13 (MExN): Nagaland Rajya Sabha MP TR Zeliang and Manipur Lok Sabha MP Mani Charenamei have requested Union Railways Minister Lalu Prasad to reconsider the plans for a rail route passing through Nagaland and Manipur. “We were given to understand through your answer according to Starred Question No. 191 dated 3rd March 2006” put up by TR Zeliang “which stated that the new rail line from Diphu (Dhansiri to Karong) was included in the Supplementary Budget 1997-1998 with the proviso that the work would be taken up after obtaining requisite clearance,” the letter addressed to Lalu and made available to the press today said. Subsequently, the requisite clearance for the project was received in September 1998.
The proposed line was changed with an alternative alignment from Silchar- Jiribam- Imphal route (Tupul) due to complaint lodged by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council stating that it was passing through Dhansiri Reserve Forest Area. In reality, this is not true, the MPs said.
“It is pertinent to point out that the alternative alignment from Jiribam to Imphal route (Tupul) which was included in the Supplementary Budget 2003-04 is longer in distance by more than 300 Kms.” Proposing a shorter route with less financial involvement, the letter said, “This route is leading to South-East Asia Corridor through Peren District HQ to Imphal from Guwahati which is the main broad gauge junction of NE Region.”
Moreover, it was stated that the proposed line can be extended from Karong to Kohima, the State Capital of Nagaland.
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