Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 24:
The Centre has agreed to extend the proposed Jiribam-Toupul rail link upto Moreh via Imphal and help connect the South East Asian countries with other parts of the country, disclosed Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh.
Speaking at the reception function and flag off ceremony of the 1st Indo-ASEAN car rally at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium today, the Chief Minister said that the rail link from Moreh would connect Mandalay and further said that survey works for extending the rail track will begin from the second week of December.
Ibobi also expressed optimism that such challenging initiatives will greatly enhance trade and commerce between the South East Asian countries and India in general and Manipur in particular.
Terming the Indo-ASEAN car rally as a historic event, Ibobi said such, an event will definitely help in developing cultural and economic relations amongst the South East Asian countries.
Later, the Chief Minister flagged off the rally comprising over 70 cars and around 250 participants in the international leg.
Various Manipuri participants also joined the rally for Manipur leg from Imphal to Moreh.
Besides the India leg, the rally covering around 8000 Kms would have nine legs including Myanmar, Thailand, Laos PDR, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.
It is pertinent to note here that the historic rally was flagged off by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on November 22 at Guwahati.
Various cultural troupes of the State staged a number of cultural shows during the reception of the motor rallyists at Khuman Lampak.
The rally is being organised jointly by the Indian Government, Govts of member countries of ASEAN, Confederation of Industry and Federation of Motor Sports Club of India.
Two ambulance vehicles of Apollo Hospitals are also among vehicles participating in the rally.
More than 70 vehicles are reported to be participating in the rally.
One DK Sarkar (58) of West Bengal whose left leg has been amputated after an accident also took part in the rally in his specially designed Mitsubishi Car.