Zeliang seeks improved air connectivity with New Delhi
PTI
GUWAHATI, AUGUST 21
UNION Minister of State (Independent Charge) DoNER VK Singh said all the north-eastern states were unique in themselves and all the states should progress as a region.
Addressing the conference of Chief Ministers of north-eastern states organised by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) at Assam Administrative Staff College in Guwahati today, he also expressed hope that the growth of each state of the region would attract the rest of the country and captivate their attention.
In his address, Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapathi Raju assured of his all out support and cooperation with regards to the development of the aviation sector in the north-eastern region.
Nagaland Chief Minister T R Zeliang, in his speech, said there is a need to improve air connectivity of all the north-eastern states with New Delhi as it will in turn help in developing a sense of belongingness.
“Since the NLCPR and NEC funds are essentially meant for NE states or region, there should not be any need for the states to contribute 10 per cent of the project cost. The NEC or the Ministry of DoNER should provide 100 per cent funding,” he said
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said improved connectivity would not only bring about all-round development of the north-east region but also bring it closer to the mainstream.
Gogoi said improving the connectivity by developing road, railways, airways, inland water transport would usher in all-round development of the region as a whole.
Gogoi also emphasised on developing trade, transport and economic links with Bangladesh.
Assam Chief Minister pointed out that the north-east required significant investment in infrastructure to enter into the next phase of development.
“Roads, railway projects and development of inland water transport need to be adequately funded to bring about inclusive development of the region,” he said.
Gogoi requested the Ministry of DoNER to take up with the Ministry of Railways to increase the frequency of trains to major cities.
Gogoi attributed lack of infrastructure as one of the main problems in inter-state border areas and pleaded for a special package for development.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar requested the Centre to talk to Bangladesh government for restarting railway services from Agartala to the neighbouring country.
“Government of Bangladesh may be pursued to take all necessary actions and Railway Ministry may take up this (restoration of rail link) construction work with highest priority,” Sarkar said at the conference of Chief Ministers of all North Eastern states.
“Prior to independence, towns in Tripura were connected by railway network with erstwhile East Pakistan, present Bangladesh and Agartala itself was serviced by Akhaura railway station,” the Chief Minister said.
Speaking on the occasion, Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh stated that the overall availability of funds with North Eastern Council (NEC) has not been adequate to bring about coordinated and meaningful development in the region.
“The mechanism followed by DoNER in the sanction of projects needs overhauling,” he added.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla said the development of roads in the North East deserves the highest priority from both development and strategic needs.
He further emphasised on the continued and unabated financial problem being faced by the small, under-developed states of the region and they should be given utmost importance by the Centre for finding a long term solution.
