Ladies and Gentlemen

                        First of all, I would like to convey my greetings to all of you and your families on the auspicious occasion of our country’s 62^nd Independence Day.

                        The Construction Organisation of N.F.Railway was established in 1979. Since then, the Organization is marching ahead in fulfilling its objective of development of rail network in farthest areas of Northeast Region. During the year 2007-08, 20 Km new line and 267 Km gauge conversion were completed and expenditure done was   Rs. 1130 Crores. I feel proud to say that this is the RECORD BEST performance of our organization ever since its inception. During the first quarter of 2008-09, the Organisation has completed 69 Km of new line and 9 Km of gauge conversion. The fast pace at which all these  works have been completed by our organization, can be gauged from the fact that total 365 Km of new line and gauge conversion works have been completed in the span of last 10 months only. With this expanding rail network, we have immensely contributed to the socio-economic development of the Northeast region. All this could not have been possible but for the commitment and dedication of our officers and staff. I consider it my privilege and honour to head this organization.

                        We have a shared vision to complete all the sanctioned projects on hand in a time frame of six years. With this vision in mind, we began our journey in 2008-09 by completing the gauge conversion of Katihar – Jogbani (108 Km). Hon’ble Minister of Railways, Shri Lalu Prasad inaugurated the newly converted BG section at a public function held at Jogbani Railway Station. As a token of appreciation, he was pleased to announce an award of Rs. 10 Lacs to our organization. The work of Yard Remodeling and Route Relay Interlocking at Katihar was completed and commissioned on 8.6.2008.

                        The work in Ambassa – Agartala section (69 Km) was completed in June, 2008 and CRS sanction for opening of the section has been received. Thus, Agartala has become the first state capital in North East to figure in the map of Indian Railways after the country’s independence. This has fulfilled the long cherished dream of people of Tripura state. On this occasion, I congratulate all the officers and staff for their sustained hard work which is particularly commendable considering the problem of militancy in the region and difficult terrain. I feel proud about the engineers and architects who have constructed the monumental station building at Agartala which is becoming a tourist attraction. Hon’ble Member Engineering, Railway Board, Shri S.K. Vij during his inspection of the section on 8^th August, 2008 greatly appreciated the work done by the Organisation. As a token of appreciation, he announced an award of Rupees One Lakh to the team for construction of new line and another Rupees One Lakh to the team for construction of Agartala Station. Now, we are awaiting its formal inauguration by Hon’ble Prime Minister.

                        The work of gauge conversion of Senchoa – Silghat (62 Km) was completed in June, 2008. CRS inspection is scheduled on 20^th & 21^st August, 2008.

                       I feel extremely happy that the office building of General Manager (Construction) has been completed and is being inaugurated today. I commend the efforts made by the officers and staff associated with this work. This will give us a new identity.

                     We have set our sight to complete the work of South Bank link of Bogibeel Bridge from Moranhat to Chalkhowa (44 Km) by December, 2008 and gauge conversion of Haibargaon to Mairabari (45 Km) by March, 2009. These works are progressing in full swing. We are also targeting to complete the work for terminal and coaching facilities at Kamakhya by March, 2009. We will try to complete the gauge conversion of Fakiragram – Dhubri section (66 Km) by March, 2009.

                        After monsoon, we will be commencing the work of substructure and guide bunds of Bogibeel Bridge, the third rail-cum-road bridge to be built across the river Brahmaputra. The bridge has been targeted to be completed by 2012.

                        The achievements of the construction Organization have not gone unnoticed. Cash award of Rs. 7.1 lac was given to our organization by Hon’ble MR, MOSR and other dignitaries during 2007-08. The amount was distributed equally to all the officers and staff of our organization in June, 2008. Hon’ble Minister of State for Railways, Shri R.Velu during his visit to Shillong from 8^th to 10 th July’08 announced an award of Rs. 5 lac. With this, in the year 2008-09, award of Rupees 17 lakh has been announced so far which will be distributed equally to all the officers and staff of our organization

                        As regards staff welfare, we organize retirement function by the end of month in which the retiring staff is handed over his retirement dues and related papers, the day he retires from his service. As such, in our organization, retired employees no longer have to visit again and again to the office for getting his retirement dues released.

                        We had some moments of sorrow and grief:

                      Shri Lienkhothang Tonsing, XEN/Con/SCL and Pulin Gogoi, JE/II/Works/Con/SCL met with an unfortunate road accident and died on duty on 07-04-2008. Entire railway family has shown their deep felt sympathy and condolences in the unfortunate demise of the two young railwaymen. All the admissible payments have been given to the widows of the deceased including appointments in Group C categories on compassionate ground. Besides, IRSE Officers’ Association has voluntarily contributed an amount of Rs. 6, 71,595/- and Rs. 3, 49,659/- respectively to the widows of Late Gogoi and Late Tonsing respectively.

                        Shri Debabrata Das, SE/Con/Works/Agartala working in Kumarghat – Agartala Project was kidnapped by militants on 26-04-2008.  All efforts were made to rescue Shri Das by putting pressure on the State Govt. to take prompt action and as a result he was released on 05-06-2008 after being held in captivity for 40 days.

                        On Lumding – Silchar Gauge Conversion project, the law & order situation in NC Hills section deteriorated beyond control during the month of May, 2008 which brought the work on the project to a grinding halt. Now, with the strengthening of the security arrangements and resumption of passenger trains in the section, the work has been resumed at several sites. We expect the work to pick up full pace after monsoon and the long pending project to be completed by March’2011.

                         Apart from difficult terrain, poor infrastructure facilities, our officers and staff are facing problems of extremist and militant activities. But in spite of this, with high morale and sincerity to duties, the officers, staff and contractors are showing exemplary courage for speedy completion of various projects undertaken by the Construction Organization.

                        I dedicate all the achievements of Construction Organization to the country. We will strive for further achievements in future. I look forward to your sustained efforts and renewed vigour in order to fulfill our commitments and objectives successfully.

                       Jai   Hind  !