ITANAGAR : The Arunachal Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) has urged Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to expedite railway expansion projects in Arunachal Pradesh, citing the state’s strategic importance, economic potential and the need to strengthen connectivity under the Centre’s Act East Policy.
In a letter to the Union Minister, ACCI president Dr Tarh Nachung and chief advisor Pradeep Kumar appreciated the rapid expansion of the Indian Railways under the present leadership, including multi-tracking projects, near-complete electrification of the broad-gauge network and the recent approval of new railway corridors.
They, however, stressed that Arunachal Pradesh, which shares a 1,129-km border with China, deserves special attention because of its strategic location and developmental requirements.
The chamber welcomed the successful trial run of an electric train on the Harmuti-Naharlagun section in March this year, describing it as a milestone that would pave the way for faster, more efficient and environment-friendly rail services. It said electrification would also facilitate the operation of Vande Bharat Express services, strengthening the state’s connectivity with the rest of the country.
Recalling the history of railway development in the region, the ACCI noted that the British had constructed the Rangiya-Bhalukpong line, while successive governments initiated surveys and sanctioned projects that eventually led to the commissioning of rail connectivity to the state capital in 2015.
The chamber observed that although the Centre has attached high priority to the development of the Northeast, significant gaps remain in railway infrastructure, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh.
Highlighting the state’s economic potential, the ACCI pointed to the auction of graphite and vanadium mining blocks in Keyi Panyor and Pakke Kessang districts, saying improved rail and road connectivity is essential for transporting minerals and unlocking industrial growth.
The chamber also stressed the need for freight train services to Naharlagun, noting that large volumes of goods destined for Arunachal currently have to be transported by road from Harmuti.
It urged the Railway Ministry to implement the proposed railway projects announced in 2019, including the Bhalukpong-Tenga-Tawang (378 km), North Lakhimpur-Bame-Aalo-Silapathar (247.85 km) and Pasighat-Tezu-Parsuram Kund-Rupai (227 km) lines, stating that these projects would significantly improve connectivity to the state’s northern and eastern frontiers while promoting tourism and economic development.
The ACCI also endorsed Rajya Sabha MP Tai Tagak’s proposals to rename the Naharlagun-New Delhi AC Superfast Express as the Arunachal Express, introduce a Naharlagun-Chennai train service and provide a southbound superfast rail link from New Jalpaiguri connecting with the Naharlagun-New Delhi AC Superfast Express.
Copies of the memorandum have also been forwarded to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao and Rajya Sabha MP Tai Tagak for necessary action.
