Sarbananda Sonowal calls for swift execution of "One Station, One Product" to promote local goods, entrepreneurs

Dibrugarh (Assam) [India], November 14 (ANI): Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal led a forum of MPs to review the projects and developmental activities undertaken by the Northeast Frontier Railways of Indian Railways under its Tinsukia division on Thursday, said a press statement.
Sonowal, along with the other members of the forum, called for sustainable development with minimum or no impact on the ecology including application of modern AI technology to safeguard elephants during the railway line crossing.
Sonowal asked Railways for speedy implementation of 'One Station One Product' programme which is going to help the local entrepreneurs as well as expand the market for local produce.
Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said, "It was a fruitful meeting where the senior officials of Indian Railway briefed all the MPs about the developmental work currently being undertaken under Tinsukia division. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, application of modern technology, including that of Artificial Intelligence, is being increasingly used to solve problems. I would like to appreciate that NF Railways has implemented AI based Intrusion Detection System (IDS) which will help safeguard lives of elephants while they cross the railway lines. Innovative techniques like building canopy bridges for safe transit of arboreal species is a step towards sustainable development. While development is important, it is equally important, if not more, that we safeguard our flora and fauna. Such innovative solutions help development without causing any damage to the environment."

Highlighting the need for swift implementation of 'One Station, One Product' programme of the railways, Sonowal said, "Northeast is rich with potential. Our products are one of the finest in the world and we must market them. Railways, with its unique and huge network, the One Station, One Product will help our local entrepreneur find a huge market for our equally fascinating products. I have asked the officials to take all necessary measures for its speedy implementation as it will bolster the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi about achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat."
The meeting was also attended by the MP of Rajya Sabha, Rameswar Teli, the MP of Kaziranga, Kamakhya Prasad Tasa & the MP of Nagaland, S Supongmeren Jamir.
The General Manager of Northeast Frontier Railway, Chetan Kumar Srivastava along with Divisional Railway Manager of Tinsukia, Uttam Prakash presented the works and projects of the division in front of the MPs.
The General Manager of N. F. Railway while welcoming all MPs gave a brief overview of the activities and achievements in recent times.
He highlighted the operations of festival special trains and special trains that were operated for the examinees of the recent ADRE Exam and infrastructure works going on over NFR. GM mentioned about introduction of QR code machines at the ticket counters at 588 stations over NFR, to enable cashless transactions, in line with the vision of 'Digital India'.
He further informed the MP's regarding opening of "One Station One Product" stalls at various stations over NFR to help the local entrepreneur to showcase and sell the products and crafts of local area to boost socio economic growth.
MPs were also briefed about the status of on-going electrification, doubling and new line projects of Northeast.
The doubling work from Lumding to Dibrugarh via Simaluguri and Tinsukia work is also under process. He also mentioned about the Pradhan Mantri Jan Ausadhi Kendra being opened railway stations.
The General Manager mentioned the New Tinsukia Railway station is being redeveloped under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS).
He also informed the MPs about the provision of artificial canopy bridges inside the Hollongapar Wildlife Sanctuary located in Tinsukia division to enable the arboreal species to cross the railway tracks safely.
The General Manager also informed the members present of ensuring the safety of elephants crossing railway tracks through advanced, AI-based Intrusion Detection System (IDS), which allows for precise detection of elephant movement near the tracks, and timely alerts to loco pilots and station masters for preventive action.
The MPs were requested to extend help in removing illegal encroachments, closure of unauthorised crossing, closure of level crossing gates, etc. to further improve safety and undertake various development works. Deliberations in this meeting would immensely help the Railways in finalizing the Railway developmental plans for the people of this region.
The suggestions and views expressed by the Members would be given due consideration while formulating the proposals, said the GM. (ANI)