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Centre pressurizes Meghalaya for implementation of Railway projects

BNE News Desk


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Centre pressurizes Meghalaya for implementation of Railway projects.

The Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, during the course of a reply to the Meghalaya Assembly, stated that there has been huge pressure from the Centre for the implementation of the railway projects in the state. This was also revealed by the Transport Minister of Meghalaya Dasakhiat Lamare.

The Centre has proposed two railway projects in the state- the 22 km Tetelia-Byrnihat tracks, and the 108 km Byrnihat-Shillong line.

The Tetelia-Byrnihat project has been sanctioned at a cost of Rs. 496 crores. However, these projects have faced roadblocks due to strong opposition from different quarters apprehending influx.

Sangma mentioned that there is huge pressure on the government of Meghalaya for implement of the railway projects. However, he added that he had apprised the Union Railway Minister about the complications of the projects.

As the Government of India desires to go ahead with the implementation of the railway project, Sangma however informed the central government that Meghalaya will forward only after discussion and consultation with the stakeholders of the state. He wants to engage and take people on board to go ahead with the project.

Appreciating Assam the CM informed that Assam has progressed extensively in terms of implementing the railway line from Tetelia to Byrnihat. Unfortunately, the work has been stalled due to stiff opposition from pressure groups.

According to Sangma, a few years ago, the government engaged in a discussion with pressure groups if the goods train could be set up since it will benefit the state. “It would have helped Meghalaya during the COVID-19 pandemic time also,” said Sangma.

He mentioned that there was a form of agreement with the pressure groups after understanding the benefits of having a goods train.

Discussing the importance of the project he added that the Government had engaged with some stakeholders to confirm that if at least goods trains come to Byrnihat that will benefit the state.

"There is a form of agreement on good trains but there is a lot of opposition to the passenger's train," he said.

He had also appealed to the then railway minister to set up a checkpoint at Mendipathar railway station in order to build up confidence among the people of the state.

The Meghalaya government has also taken steps to address the influx issue by bringing an amendment to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) and passed a resolution for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP)

Replying to a query by Nongpoh legislator Mayralborn Syiem, the Transport Minister of Meghalaya Dasakhiat Lamare said that they have lot of pressure from the Government of India to move forward with it but they need to consider all matters of opposition and discuss with the stakeholders. They are planning to take the stakeholders on board.

The minister claimed that due to opposition, no work and no estimates have been in this regard.

Adding, the minister claimed that a survey has been done from Tetelia to Byrnihat and to Lailad.

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BNE News Desk