Agartala: Mar 17: In a session on the railway budget held in the Rajya Sabha today, MP Rajib Bhattacharjee emphasized the significance of railway safety and announced a substantial allocation of ₹1.16 lakh crore for railway safety in the central budget. He stressed that railway safety remains a top priority, and development initiatives must be pursued with sincerity and good intentions. Bhattacharya noted that the lack of adequate focus on the railway sector had impeded India’s progress, and ensuring safety is a crucial aspect of rectifying this.
Furthermore, Bhattacharjee pointed out that northeastern India had long been neglected when it came to railway development, but significant strides have been made in recent years. He credited the Modi government for initiating key projects, particularly mentioning the commencement of the broad-gauge railway line in Agartala, Tripura, which began in 2016, just two years after the government’s formation. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav for the introduction of the Vande Bharat train connecting Agartala and Guwahati, further enhancing connectivity in the region.
Bhattacharya also highlighted a remarkable reduction in railway accidents, pointing out that in 2005-06, 234 railway accidents occurred in the state, but by 2024-25, that number has dropped significantly to 30. He attributed this improvement to the government’s commitment to development and safety measures driven by genuine intentions.
Overall, Bhattacharjee’s statements underline the central government’s increased focus on railway safety and infrastructure development, particularly in underdeveloped regions like the northeast, contributing to India’s progressive trajectory.
