The announcement in the Rail Budget 2009-2010 of ten different rail projects in the North East as National Projects, connectivity to the region is set to be enhanced, allowing the tourism sector to promote the region among the inbound and domestic tourists. Mamata Banerjee, Union Railway Minister presenting the Railway Budget today said, “The Railway Ministry has created a proposal for creation of North East Region Rail Development Fund, which has already been initiated to ensure necessary funds for timely completion of National Projects in the region. The North East Region is very sensitive and its projects are in progress for providing connectivity to state capitals of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.”
Speaking with TravelBiz Monitor, Gour Kanjilal, Executive Director, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) said, “Connectivity to the North East region has always been a constraint with regards to the tourism industry. The decision of Indian Railways to add more railway projects for the North Eastern states is certainly a positive move for the region. |