AGARTALA, July 4 (TIWN): Tripura today sought at least three months’ buffer stock of commodities distributed through the Public Distribution System (PDS) from the Union Ministry for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution before Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) authorities totally stalled rail connectivity with the state for upgrading connectivity in Silchar-Agartala route to broad-gauge.

Speaking at the Food Ministers’ conference on ‘evolving strategy to prevent abnormal hike in food prices held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi today, Tripura Food and Civil Supplies Minister Bhanulal Saha said that mega block for gauge conversion of rail track would lead Tripura to be worst sufferer, especially due to the fragile condition of the National Highway 44, which connects Tripura with the rest of the country.

“The state requires at least three months of PDS buffer stock before commencement of the mega block. In addition, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) should strengthen its capability to transport by road to the extent of at least 30-35 thousand MT foodgrains every month”, Saha said.

The NFR authorities are slated to introduce the mega block starting October 01 this year to develop the entire rail route length from Agartala to Silchar from meter gauge to broad gauge system.

He stressed on immediate development of National Highway 44 and approval of an alternative road for increased induction of goods and commodities through roadways.

The Food Minister reiterated the demand of extending the Public Distribution System (PDS) and said that the state’s ruling Left Front government felt strongly about including some more essential commodities in the list of PDS commodities for effective price control in the open market.

Saha demanded approval for suitable amendment of the Essential Commodities Act for empowering of the state governments to frame effective rules or control order of its own to deal with storage, distribution and fair pricing of essential commodities including onions and potatoes without seeking concurrence of the Government of India.