SHILLONG: The work on the Tetelia-Byrnihat railway project has resumed after a brief halt but its progress has been slowed down due to pre-monsoon rain that may further delay its completion.
Last month, the KHADC and KSU had halted the project work saying the North East Frontier Railway (NFR) requires a no objection certificate (NOC) to carry out the work.
Speaking to The Shillong Times on Tuesday, Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner GP Gotmare said the matter was taken up with the KHADC and KSU after work was stopped.
Gotmare said the KHADC, being a constitutional body, could have approached the Railways in case of any shortcomings instead of stalling the project.
The DC pointed that the Railways has been asked to take measures if there are any requirements, including granting of NOC, which are dealt by the District Council.
In addition, the Railways has been asked to take up the matter with Ri Bhoi police if there is a requirement for security at the construction site.
The railway project which will connect Byrnihat with the rest of the country, has been hanging fire for over two decades due to several factors like land acquisition and opposition from pressure groups.
The local MLA is also yet to vacate a small portion of the land meant for the project and the matter is pending before the High Court.
As far as the Shillong-Byrnihat line (108km) is concerned, over Rs 209 crore, sanctioned by Northeast Frontier Railway in April, was deposited with the Ri Bhoi deputy commissioner for land. But land acquisition is yet to start as the KHADC had not given NOC though the district administration had written to the Council several times.
