Focus on rail projects as Modi visits Northeast

The zonal railway had been conducting a survey and identifying land for the project. Given the engineering challenges involved in the construction, the line will require around 23 tunnels and 200 long and short bridges, as per the assessment.

The PM will visit Assam the ensuing weekend. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu and Chairman of the Railway Board Arunendra Kumar will also be there.

The train between Dudhnoi and Mendipather, which connects Meghalaya to the Railway map by linking it to the main broad-gauge line in Assam, will be flagged off by Modi via a video link from Guwahati. The train has three parcel cars and 10 general compartment coaches. Modi is expected to name the train as the Railways has not yet christened it yet.

One of the main outcomes of the visit, sources said, would be Modi communicating the government’s resolve to complete the two-phased rail line connecting Shillong-Tetelia-Byrnihat line of 21.5 km and the Byrnihat-Shillong line of 108.4 km. The Khasi tribe has been disrupting survey work for the line. Sources said locals have protested against a train linking the hilly region to the rest of the country through the railway network.

Modi’s speech, being prepared by officials, is going to emphasise on the need to complete this section for enhanced connectivity of the Northeast, sources said.