By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Byrnihat-Shillong railway project has not made much progress due to stiff opposition from some Ngos, while Tetelia-Byrnihat project is on the right track.
“The survey for the land alignment for the Tetelia-Byrnihat project has been completed,” sources said adding that the land acquisition process would be completed in the next six months.
However, the Byrnihat-Shillong railway project is facing stiff opposition from several NGOs who fear that it would lead to large scale of influx.
The Ri Bhoi administration despite all odds has been able to issue the Section 6 of the Land Acquisition Act for the project.
It may be mentioned that only 2.5 kilometers of the Tetelia-Byrnihat project fall under Meghalaya.
The Lanka-Sutnga railway project has also been opposed by the NGOs in Jaintia Hills.
Garo Hills will find a place in the country’s railways map with the commissioning of Mendipather-Dudhnoi project.
The State Government is, however, trying to maintain an optimistic approach over the issue of introducing railway in the State despite the stiff opposition by certain NGOs.
“Discussion with the NGOs over the introduction of railways in the State is proceeding in the right direction,” Chief Secretary WMS Pariat had said recently.
The State Government had, last year, held discussions with the NGOs of the State and urged them to stop their opposition to the railway in the State in the overall interest of the people.
“Railway is essential for the State,” Pariat said, while adding, that import of essential commodities via roads is quite expensive and this is taking a direct toll on the common man who has to labour for his daily bread and butter. The NGOs have been opposing the railway project in the State fearing that extending rail services in the State would invite large-scale influx.