Question : Train to Tawang

(a) whether the Government proposes to bring trains to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh which is located close to Chinese border;

(b) if so, the details in this regard and the time by which the survey work for the project is likely to be started and completed;

(c) the total expenditure likely to be involved in said project;

(d) the measures taken/being taken by the Government to tackle Chinese objections in this regard; and

(e) the further steps taken/being taken by the Government to connect other border areas of the country with railway lines?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

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STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2284 BY SHRI GAJANAN KIRTIKAR, SHRI T. RADHAKRISHNAN, SHRI BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO, KUNWAR HARIBANSH SINGH, SHRI S.R. VIJAYAKUMAR AND SHRI ASHOK SHANKARRAO CHAVAN TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 15.03.2017 REGARDING TRAIN TO TAWANG

(a) to (c): Yes, Madam. Ministry of Defence has identified construction of Misamari (Bhalukpong)-Tenga-Tawang strategic new line. Tawang is close to Tibet border and is a district headquarter in Arunachal Pradesh. During the year 2016-17, Ministry of Defence has provided ` 25.18 Crore for carrying out Final location Survey of this line. Further decision about assessment of cost, execution of the project and running of train can be taken after report of Final Location Survey is available.

(d): Government is not aware of any such objection raised by Chinese Government to these Strategic lines under survey.

(e): Connectivity of the border areas are taken into consideration on suggestion/request received from Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Defence.

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