The seven
north-eastern states , which hold the key for Trinamool Congress to emerge as a national party, could be bestowed with a slew of new rail projects in the upcoming
Rail Budget .
The Railway portfolio, which falls in its kitty, will be utilised by the party to make inroads in these states, where it has already made some gains by opening its account in the Arunachal Pradesh assembly and is eyeing the forthcoming Tripura polls.
Trinamool leader Dinesh Trivedi had visited Nagaland, his first state visit, after becoming railway minister.
FULL COVERAGE: BUDGET 2012-13 Trivedi is expected to make a special mention of the need for improving connectivity in North-East with the announcement a few trains and new rail line in the region as "socially and economically desirable."
Presenting the Rail Budget last year, the then railway minister Mamata Banerjee had announced measures to connect the seven capitals of NE region to the rail network, on which Trivedi is expected to propose steps to expedite the mission.
MUST SEE: Budget 2012-13 fact sheet Trinamool, the regional party aiming to have the status of a national party, got a boost after winning seven seats in Manipur assembly in the recently-held elections. Earlier, Trinamool had won five seats from Arunachal Pradesh.
Much attention is also likely to be placed on the states in the other parts of the country where Railway Minister had visited to gauge the aspirations of the people.
MUST READ: Railway minister announces new trains Buoyed with the success in two NE states, Trinamool is all set to contest in Tripura assembly elections next year.
"Tripura assembly election is crucial for Trinamool as winning from here will enable the West Bengal-based party to attain the national party status," sources in Trinamool said.
Railway Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Dinesh Trivedi. 
Special 
