Agartala, March 26: The minister for development of northeastern region (DoNER), Jitendra Singh, today said the Centre would release funds only after receiving the detailed project report (DPR) for the India-Bangladesh railway project to connect Agartala with Akhaura railway junction in Bangladesh - a distance of 15km.

Singh said 5km of the project (within Tripura) would be financed by DoNER. Laying of tracks and other related works over 10km within Bangladesh will be financed by the ministry of external affairs.

"Now we are waiting for the detailed project report to be submitted by the railway authorities and once this is done, we will release necessary funds as early as possible," Singh said while interacting with the media at the state secretariat. Singh, who arrived here to attend a party programme, met chief minister Manik Sarkar at his office in the civil secretariat and held meetings on different issues. "I spoke to the chief minister on different issues including law and order and progress of DoNER-sponsored projects. I assured him of full support to the state to speed up development activities," he told the media after the meeting. Singh said the Centre's top priority is to develop the Northeast by improving connectivity and infrastructure and work is in progress.

"You have seen how fast we have completed broad-gauge connectivity up to Silchar in Barak Valley and Agartala in Tripura. Very soon the southern part of Tripura will be covered," Singh said. He went on to add that the Centre is trying to develop 117 waterways in the country, of which 17 are in the Northeast and one in Tripura, as the waterway and transportation of goods by it would ease the burden on surface and air transports. On inter-regional air connectivity, Singh said the Centre is trying to boost air connectivity within the Northeast.

"At one point of time we suggested to introduce helicopter services in northeastern states, but it appears to be financially not viable. The issue is still pending with the DoNER and the civil aviation ministry," he said.

The minister added that the Centre is planning to expand landlocked Northeast's air connectivity with the rest of the country.

He lavished praise on the Centre's Act East Policy.

Later, Singh addressed a BJP programme at Rabindra Bhawan, where he criticised the Left Front government.

BJP state unit president Biplab Deb and the party's senior leader Sunil Deodhar were present at the programme.