Indian Railways plans to extend railway connectivity till Tawang

The Indian Railways is all eager to expand railway connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh, and is planning to make all efforts to turn this into a reality. Reportedly, the proposed railway lines―Bhalukpong-Tenga-Tawang (378 km), North Lakhimpur-Bame-Aalo-Silapathar (247.85 km), and Pasighat-Tezu-Parsuram Kund-Rupai (227 km) by the Indian Railways will improve connectivity to northern and eastern frontiers of Arunachal Pradesh.
The said project was discussed when the Union Minister of State for Railways met a team of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) along with Chief Minister Prema Khandu to review the status of railway projects in the state.

Referring to this development, he said that the officials informed that NFR is taking up the Bhalukpung-Tenga-Tawang railway line on priority due to its strategic importance.
Reportedly, because the railway tracks will have to be built at a height of 10000 ft, around 80 per cent of the railway line will pass through tunnels. The railways, in an effort to reduce the distance, have suggested two-lane roads along the tunnels to be built on the line.
Referring to this, Union Minister of State for Railways quoted that once the survey is completed and formalities are cleared, it will take around six to seven years for the Bhalukpong-Tenga-Tawang line to be up and ready.

The Minister of State for Railways also added that the railway line will prove to be useful from a security point of view besides accelerating socio-economic development of the people.

Tawang, which has become one of the popular tourist spots among travellers over the years, is located at an elevation of 10000 ft to the east of Bhutan. Bumla Pass, located around 37 km from Tawang, marks the India-China border.