30-Jan-2018: Pakistan extends Thar Link Express for 3 years
The second rail link between India and Pakistan received an extension from Islamabad. The Thar Link Express that connects Khokhrapar in Pakistan and Munabao in Rajasthan received an extension for three more years. The agreement to run the Thar Link Express was signed in 2006 and is one of the cheapest means of transport between the two countries.
Large number of Indian Sikhs travel across the border to visit holy Sikh sites in Nankana Sahib, while a number of Pakistani pilgrims come to visit the shrine of Ajmer Sharif. Transport between India and Pakistan has been developed to facilitate tourism and support cultural and commercial endeavours.
With a view to address the need and aspirations of people of both the countries, Railways of the two countries have taken a lead with introduction of Samjhauta Express running via Attari – Wagah border in Punjab and Thar Express running via Munabao – Khokhrapar border in Rajasthan. Successful running of these two services symbolises the resolve of the people of both the countries to cut across the barriers of a political boundary.
23-Nov-2017: Transforming 115 backward districts across the country
In keeping with the Prime Minister’s vision of a New India by 2022, Government has embarked upon a major policy initiative for the rapid transformation of 115 backward districts across the country. Senior Government officials in the rank of the rank of Additional Secretary and Joint Secretary have been designated as Prabhari Officers or the in-charge to coordinate the efforts of the Centre and the states in addressing the specific developmental needs of the districts.
The First meeting of the Prabhari Officers entrusted with the responsibility to co-ordinate the efforts of the Centre and the States towards rapid transformation of 115 backward districts across the country will be held 24th November. Among the 115 backward districts, 35 are affected by Left Wing Violence.
Background: The Prime Minister has given a Vision for a new and vibrant India by 2022, the year when India celebrates its 75th year of Independence. Inclusive development and improving the livability of all are integral part of this vision. One of the initiatives in this regard is to make a dramatic improvement in overall socio-economic development of backward districts. The strategy envisaged is to adopt a focussed approach, ensure convergence of efforts of the Central, State and local Government and establish a real time monitoring mechanism to focus on outcomes that matter to common people in these districts beside giving rise to a virtuous cycle of economic development.
A total of 115 districts have been identified for this purpose on the basis of objective criteria. Such criteria include education, health, nutrition basic infrastructure like rural road connectivity, rural household electrification, access to potable water and individual toilets etc. These districts include 35 districts which are affected by violence by Left Wing Extremists. Besides, while selecting these districts, it has been ensured that Ministries of Government of India, implementing social sector Scheme would select at least one most backward districts in every State for extending the reach of the programme in different part of the country. Improvement in one district is likely to spur similar growth in neighbouring districts through demonstration effect.
Under this initiative, for all these 115 districts, senior level Government officers (Additional Secretary/Joint Secretary) have been nominated as Prabhari officers. It has been envisaged that using their experience, these officers would form a team with representatives of the State Governments and would also act as a bridge between Centre and the State. States have been accordingly requested to nominate senior level functionary for each district. States are the main drivers of this program.
23-Aug-2017: Bridge over Mechi River at Indo-Nepal border
The Union Cabinet has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be signed between India and Nepal for laying down implementation arrangement on Cost sharing, Schedules and Safeguard issues for starting construction of a new Bridge over Mechi River at Indo-Nepal border.
The estimated cost of construction of the bridge is Rs. 158.65 crore, which would be funded by Government of India through ADB loan. The new bridge is part of up-gradation of the Kakarvitta (Nepal) to Panitanki Bypass (India) on NH 327B covering a length of 1500 meters including a 6 lane approach road of 825 meters. Mechi Bridge is the ending point of Asian Highway 02 in India leading to Nepal and provides critical connectivity to Nepal.
The construction of the bridge will improve regional connectivity and has potential to strengthen cross border trade between both the countries and cementing ties by strengthening industrial, social and cultural exchanges.
National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) under Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has been designated as the implementing agency for this project. DPR for this project has been prepared and alignment of bridge has been finalized in consultation with Government of Nepal.