New Delhi, Apr 17: Centre has decided to put on fast track the 14 strategic railway line projects that include Jammu-Akhnoor-Poonch and Kathua-Basholi-Bhaderwah routes as part of the Government’s plan to develop infrastructure in the northern areas facing China and Pakistan.
 A decision to this affect was taken by a high-powered committee of the Defence Ministry which met there on Tuesday to discuss and review various defence related projects in the wake of recent controversy generated by Army Chief General V K Singh’s observations regarding the slow pace of procurement process. The meeting was presided over by Defence Minister A K Antony and was attended by Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma and General Singh.
 Sources said that a decision has been taken to set up an empowered committee headed by Sharma to go through all the strategic rail and airport projects along the Indo-Pak and Indo-China border. The idea behind taking up these projects on priority basis is to ensure connectivity to the far-flung areas throughout the year.
 Sources added that Antony will soon approach the Planning Commission for sanction and financial clearances for these projects. This is the second meeting between Antony and General Singh during the last fortnight and has assumed significance since the latter had raised the issue of shortage of equipment with the army.
 Apart from the rail and airport projects, the high-powered committee also cleared various proposals for immediate purchase of guns and ammunition. These include 155 mm gun which has not been purchased in the last 25 years after the Bofors controversy broke out and multi- barrel-rocket launcher. The two items are to be purchased at an estimate cost of Rs 20,000 crore, the sources added.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 17 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
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