Inaugurating the survey work yesterday of the proposed broad gauge rail line at the tribal Jawhar taluka through which the line is to pass, Naik said ``the sun of development would rise for tribals once the rail link is commissioned.''

The work on survey of the rail link between Dahanu Road and Nashik Road, a distance of 125 kms, started at the historical Jawhar Palace today. The function was attended by several thousand tribals.

In his speech Naik, who comes from Thane district said the satellite survey of the rail link would be completed by February 2000.

He also paid rich tributes to all those who followed up the project and carried out a relentless agitation for the same, drawing the attention of the government to the dire need for the rail line.

Naiksaid the Centre was working for the sake of the common man, and in the Ninth Five Year Plan, 40 per cent funds were reserved for agricultural and allied industries and tribal development. He also said he was determined to bring about a drastic change in the railways. As Minister of State for Home, he said the Centre was determined to crush the activities of Naxalites in the interest of tribals. Maharashtra Tribal Development Minister Vishnu Savra, Minister of State Manisha Nimkar and general manager of railways Vasudev Gupta were also present.