From Our Special Correspondent
New Delhi: Former Union Minister Vincent H Pala has demanded early completion of Pala-Sutunga/Barnihat-Shillong rail projects.
The Shillong MP submitted the demands during his recent meetings with Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
During his meetings with both Dr Singh and Mrs Gandhi, Pala said Meghalaya does not have a single rail line and is also poorly connected via air thereby affecting the speed of development.
The Shillong MP on Friday said a new line — Chandrapur to Shillong — should be integrated suitably so that 150 km-long Lanka-Sutgna line could be extended up to Shillong. He also batted for completion of Byrnihat-Shillong rail line at the earliest.
Pala said the railways can help in balanced growth and exploitation of natural resources of the hill state and added that people of the landlocked state would be immensely benefited from the new railway lines.
He also welcomed the steps taken by the Prime Minister in speeding up infrastructural projects in the Northeastern region
The PMO on Thursday announced for a massive package to expedite road, rail and aviation projects in the Northeastern region including completion of Dudhunoi-Mendipathar rail line.
“Moreover the hill State also does not have well developed roadways due to the character of the terrain,” he said.
“Airport alone can enhance the quality of life and infrastructure in the State,” Pala, who submitted a letter to the Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh recently, said. A total of Rs. 220 crore is required for expansion and upgradation of Umrai airport, he said in the letter.
“Both the rail and airport projects need prodding from the Centre,” he said.