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APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 24/07/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (24-07-2025).

❓ Question:

Critically examine the significance of the Bairabi–Sairang railway line extension in the context of India’s Act East Policy. What are the major challenges associated with infrastructure expansion in the Northeast, and how can they be addressed?
(Word Limit: 250)

✅ Model Answer:

🔸 Introduction
The Bairabi–Sairang railway line, recently cleared for extension to Zokhawthar near the India–Myanmar border, is a vital strategic infrastructure project in Mizoram. It aligns with the Act East Policy, which aims to enhance India’s connectivity with Southeast Asia via the Northeastern Region (NER).

🔹 Strategic and Economic Significance

Area	Impact
Act East Connectivity	Establishes direct access from Northeast India to Myanmar and ASEAN markets
Economic Growth	Facilitates movement of goods, improves market access for Mizoram’s agri-products and handicrafts
Border Area Development	Improves accessibility in remote border regions like Champhai, spurring tourism and trade
Multimodal Integration	Complements the Kaladan Multimodal Project and PM Gati Shakti vision
National Security	Enhances troop mobility and surveillance in border zones

🔹 Challenges in Implementation

Challenge	Explanation
Difficult Terrain	Steep hills, landslide-prone zones demand expensive tunneling and bridges
Land Acquisition	Tribal land rights and emotional ties pose legal and social hurdles
Environmental Impact	Potential deforestation, loss of biodiversity in ecologically sensitive areas
Cost and Delays	Time and cost overruns are frequent in Northeast infrastructure projects
Security and Insurgency	Border proximity increases vulnerability to cross-border crime and militancy

🔹 Way Forward

Tribal Consultations to ensure consent and cooperation
Eco-Sensitive Engineering practices like elevated tracks and tunnel boring
Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to expedite project delivery
Cross-border Coordination with Myanmar for trade facilitation
Independent Monitoring Agencies for transparency and timely execution

🔸 Conclusion
The Bairabi–Sairang rail extension is more than just a transport project—it is a strategic investment in regional integration, national security, and economic transformation. By addressing the ecological and socio-political challenges thoughtfully, India can position Mizoram as a gateway to Southeast Asia, making the Act East Policy a ground reality.

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