Address by Shri Shiv Kumar, General Manager

(Construction) on the occasion of 54^th Railway Week.

                    First of all, I would like to greet all the railwaymen and their families on this auspicious occasion of the 54^th Railway Week. This is the appropriate time to evaluate our organization’s contribution in the service of the nation and to compliment all those who made it possible. I would like to convey my appreciation to the entire team of  Construction Organization for their pooled efforts without which the achievements made, could not have been possible. I congratulate all those who are being awarded today for their meritorious performances.  

                    During the year 2008-2009, the Construction Organization of N.F. Railway  scaled new heights  by constructing 113 Km new lines and completed 62 Km gauge conversion. A sum of Rs. 1530 Cr. was spent  during the year for execution of work which is highest ever and which reflects our capacity to execute the works. During the year, we have realized a value of Rs. 42.70 Crores from “Scrap Disposal” which is best ever.     

                    During the year, the first project completed was new line from Manu to Agartala. With the commencement of train services upto Agartala with effect from 05-10-2008, the long cherished dream of the people of Tripura state has been fulfilled. Thus, Agartala has become the first state capital in the Northeast region to figure in the map of Indian Railways after country’s independence. For extending line in the  Tripura state, the final location survey of new line from Agartala to Sabroom is in progress. The work of new line from Chalkhoa to Moranhat on South bank of Bogibeel Bridge has also been completed. This new line would provide alternative shorter route between Simalguri and Dibrugarh Town by 48 Km as compared to the existing route via New Tinsukia. The restoration of new line with gauge conversion from Senchoa to Silghat has also been completed and is ready for commissioning of train services. The work of restoration of new line with gauge conversion from Haibargaon to Moirabari is on the verge of completion. A new crossing station in the Katihar – Barsoi section at Jhaua on Katihar Division has been commissioned. The work of construction of guide bund and substructure of Bogibeel Rail-cum-Road Bridge, the third mega bridge over river Brahmaputra was taken up in full swing.

                    As per “VISION 2020” of the Hon’ble PM, all the state capitals in Northeast region are to be provided rail connectivity. I am happy to say that Construction Organization has commenced physical work on various projects aimed to connect remaining state capitals of Northeast Region with rail network. In Manipur state, the work on new line from Jiribam to Tupul has been taken up from both ends to expedite the work. For further extending the line upto Imphal, the capital of Manipur state, the final location survey is being taken up shortly. The work on new line from Itangagar, the state capital of Arunachal Pradesh to Harmuti   has been taken up in full swing. The work on new line from Dudhnoi to Mendipathar for introducing first railway line in the state of Meghalaya, has been commenced. The final location survey of another new line in the state from Azara to Byrnihat has been completed in the portion falling in Meghalaya state.  The final location survey of new line from Bhairabi to Sairang is in progress which will provide connectivity to Aizawal, the capital of Mizoram. Similarly, the final location survey of new line from Dimapur to Kohima, the capital of Nagaland is also in progress. For connecting Sikkim with railway network, a work has been sanctioned in the Supplementary Budget 2009-10 against which final location survey of New Line from Rangpo to Sivok is being commenced soon. In spite of adverse law & order condition after the spate of killings of railwaymen and contractor’s staff in May, 2008 in NC Hills area, the work of gauge conversion of Lumding – Silchar section is progressing. 3 tunnels have been made through besides completion of a number of bridges. The physical work on new line from Araria to Galgalia and gauge conversion from Aluabari to Siliguri Jn has also been commenced during the year 2008-09. The final location survey of new line from Kishanganj to Jalalgarh has been completed. The work of gauge conversion from Rangiya to Murkongselek is in progress. Contracts have been finalized for the work of construction of new line from New Maynaguri to Jogighopa in time bound manner.

                    I am proud to inform that the achievements of Construction Organization have been appreciated from time to time by the Hon’ble PM, MR, Railway Board and Parliamentary Committees. The sustained hard work of all those officers and staff who completed the Kumarghat – Agartala project has been appreciated by Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Hon’ble   Prime Minister of India in his letter dated 13 August, 2008 addressed to Hon’ble Minister of Railways, Shri Lalu Prasad. During the entire year, a cash award totalling Rs. 39 Lacs has been given to our organization as a token of appreciation of excellent work put in by the organization. Notwithstanding the achievements made, the expectations from our organization are quite high as there are many difficult projects which have to be completed during next 5-6 years in a time bound manner. Thus, the road ahead is going to be far more difficult. The challenges ahead can only be met with by strong commitment and dedication towards work. I look forward to your sustained efforts and renewed vigour in order to fulfill the commitments made by our organization to the nation.

                    I once again congratulate all the awardees and convey my best wishes to all the railwaymen and their families.

                    At the end, on the auspicious occasion of Bohag Bihu festival, I pray to God that the coming new year brings joy & prosperity to all of you.                       

                   Thank you !