OREANDA-NEWS. December 16, 2011. Gauge conversion of Rangiya-Murkongselek (510.33 kms) section is a sanctioned National Project. On this project, land acquisition, earthwork, bridges and track work have been taken up on entire stretch and the works are in various stages of progress. Rangiya –Rangpara North (123.6 kms) section of this project is targeted for completion by March 2012. An expenditure of Rs. 565.27 crore has been incurred upto March, 2011 and outlay of Rs. 283.00 crore has been provided for this project for the year 2011-12.

 A dedicated non lapsable fund namely “North Eastern Region Rail Development Fund” (NERRDF) has been created for providing assured fund flows to National Projects of Northeast Region. Besides, efforts are being made for early completion of these projects by close monitoring of progress of the works, follow up with revenue department and forest department for handing over of remaining revenue and forest land, deployment of security forces in the areas affected by law and order problems by coordinating Ministry of Home Affairs, etc.

 This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Bharatsinh Solanki in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.