Our Correspondent
NEW DELHI:
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on August 18 said the Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal rail line project was strategically important for India while lauding the armed forces for playing an important role in its execution in a challenging situation.
“The project is important for meeting the strategic and socio-economic needs of the country,” said Singh on the sidelines of a felicitation ceremony.
The Jiribam-Imphal new broad gauge railway line (111 km) project with an estimated cost of Rs 12,264.15 crore is set to be completed by December 2023.
Singh was participating at a felicitation programme of ‘Veer Naris’ of the armed forces personnel who lost their lives in a recent landslide at Tupul in Manipur.
The felicitation ceremony was organised at Bengdubi Military Station in Darjeeling by Trishakti Corps. Thirty personnel – one officer, three Junior Commissioned Officers and 26 other ranks – of 107 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) and 11 Gorkha Rifles were among the 61 people killed in the tragedy in June.
Singh presented cheques of Rs 7 lakh to each ‘Veer Nari’. Thirteen soldiers, who got injured in the tragedy, were also felicitated during the event.
During the interaction with the ‘Veer Naris’ and soldiers, Singh paid glowing tributes to the deceased personnel, commending their bravery and dedication. He stated that the nation will always remain indebted to the sacrifices made by the soldiers.
Singh said that the government is making sure that financial stability is provided to the families and dependents of the brave soldiers, assuring full support of the Ministry of Defence.