Chief Secy has assured security to surveyors: NFR
SHILLONG: The ongoing survey and investigation for the proposed 108km Byrnihat-Shillong railway project has been halted following a stop work order allegedly issued by the Khasi Students Union (KSU).
Sources in the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) informed that KSU has verbally as well through letters asked to stop the survey.
The sources also said the State government has promised to provide security to the surveyors after the matter was taken up with the chief secretary on November 1. “Those working during the day are provided security but the actual problem comes at night when there is no security around,” the sources added.
Meanwhile, the NFR has also held discussions with the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) since it is mandatory to take the NOC from KHADC before initiating the land acquisition process for the project.
However, KHADC has made it clear that no NOC will be issued until the entry and the exit points are set up to check influx.
Meanwhile, sources also said the work along the Tetelia Byrnihat railway project is on in full swing and a major part of land is in the possession of NFR.Also, the government has assured that the remaining land will be handed over to NFR.
Sources also said it would be the local population who would get all the job opportunities once the railway is introduced in the state.
“It will be local people who will up shops in railway station, local hawkers selling goods in trains and local taxi drivers who would benefit if the railway comes to Meghalaya,” the sources said while raising a fear that the railway may be bundled out of the State if the railway does not make progress here despite trying for long.
