SHILLONG: The State Government has asked the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) to connect Shillong with Sohra for tourism.
Addressing the media after a meeting with NFR officials here on Thursday, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said, “It will be the most sought after train ride for people… and it will be a ride for romantic couples coming for honeymoon and anniversary in the midst of natural beauty.”
The proposal comes at a time when the State is witnessing violent protests against the railway project in Ri Bhoi.
The meeting focused on designing the railway project in a way that it opens up opportunities for the State and the people who will utilise it for high-end tourism.
Sangma pointed out that the proposed railway line will be a separate project, which will be linked to tourism as well as the primary sector to ensure that organic products grown in Meghalaya find the right market.
“Otherwise farming will not become remunerative and attractive for our people. We want more people to join farming,” he said.
He also saw entrepreneurship opportunities for farmers with the coming of the railways.
When asked about the protests, Sangma said such activities will only delay good things from coming.
“It is like when good things are coming your way you are closing the doors. Good sense should prevail and they (the protesters) must understand the commitment and sincerity of the leadership. Time is there for everybody to correct themselves and participate in a productive way and not like a delinquent,” he added.
Controlling influx
The government is serious about addressing illegal immigration and a number of legislative measures are being taken for this, the chief minister asserted.
Among the measures are formation of district task force and sanctioning and posting of labour inspectors to deal with migrant workers. There will be regulations at railway stations too. Sangma said that the whole format which will be structured in a manner which is practically durable.
“Every railway station will have facilitation centres, which have been proposed in the entry-exit points along the road network,” Sangma said and added that the facilitation centres will start from Mendipathar railway station at the earliest.
