AGARTALA, February 25 (TIWN): North-East Frontier Railway is showing negligent attitude towards the implementation of broad-gage conversion. The top question arises at the recent moment is that due to the negligent attitude of NFR, whether it is possible to complete the Lumbding-Silchar broad gage conversion. Though, inspite of official NFR claims that the work will be completed within March 31st.NFR authorities further claimed that about 3000 numbers of tracks linking and other labour has been mobilized by various agencies working in the section. However, question could be raised on sanctioning of fund for Metre Gauge (MG) prior to it on 2008/09 Financial Year, on why government has accepted on this pact then, if the Center had different plans to lay BG connection in state’s railway.

This is a jargon for many citizens transporting in the state due to a halt in railway connectivity in between on which depended livelihoods of a chunk of populace in Tripura’s railway stations. But the picture reveals another truth. Various problems are emerging in front of the conversion. From Jatidanga to Harangaja diversion, tunnel 10 and 12 faces severe problems. Most of the work remains incomplete. However, the throwing of tunnel 12 is only completed. The lining work is yet to be done. But the administration officers tried to hide the truth. They had issued an order in the name of NFR that, only after the completion of work, the site is open to overview.

However, the speedy work construction has kept the dreams alive for many with altogether 17 tunnels’ work get is expected to be over by January next year. Tunnel No.11 has been made through on October 13 and ROB no. 84 has been commissioned on October 20 and this will enable completion of yard works at Jatinga Lumpur station. Seven lac cum of earthwork has since been done during mega block out of 12 lac cum. Track linking of BG line is also progressing satisfactorily at various locations. After completing the BG conversion work, the NFR would speed up the rail extension work from Agartala to Sabroom with BG facility.

From the above status, it may be concluded that according to the work status of the present phase will not be completed within the stipulated time. It may even take upto 2016 to complete the 1stphase.Then the future of the Badarpur- Agartala conversion is under deep suspense.