Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman along with Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khanu (Express Photo) Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman along with Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khanu (Express Photo)The proposed strategic railway line to Tawang on the China border received a major boost with Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman telling Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu in Itanagar on Saturday that requisite funds for its survey would be released soon. She also said that the advanced landing grounds (ALGs) in the state would be soon also opened up for civilian use. “The defence minister assured that the IAF infrastructural facilities in the ALGs shall be permitted for civilian use. While state chief minister raised the urgent need to establish a cantonment in the capital area of Itanagar, Sitharaman assured that this would be accorded high priority. On the issue of strengthening the strategic Balipara-Charduar-Tawang road, Sitharaman assured the chief minister that the Border Roads Organization (BRO) would be given clear directions for the same, the CM’s office said.

Source: Indian Express November 04, 2017 16:45 UTC