SHILLONG: The state government has assured to address all issues related to introduction of railways in the state.
Addressing the gathering on Independence Day celebrations at Polo here on Tuesday, chief minister Mukul Sangma said the railway lines to the state have been approved by the Union government as a national project to streamline systems and modalities to connect the state capital.
“The government will address all issues related to railways in order to enable the people to reap the benefits of railway connectivity which will go a long way in bringing prosperity to the state,” Sangma said.
Earlier, the chief minister said the matter relating to railway construction work between Tetelia and Byrnihat was objected by some NGOs, which had affected the law and order situation, especially in Ri Bhoi district.
“The government has taken all necessary steps to tackle the situation and maintain law and order at any cost,” he said. According to Sangma, the government has implemented the public transport system for rural areas under which buses are provided by the government and the services operated through the local service providers identified by the district level committee headed by the deputy commissioners. On Umroi airport, he said the state government had signed an MoU with the Union government to operationalise regional air connectivity through the airport which is likely to commence from September, 2017. “At the same time, efforts to connect Baljek Airport are on the anvil,” he said. In addition, for construction of civilian heliport, seven acres of land have been earmarked to improve and strengthen the helicopter service in the state. New sites in West Garo Hills, North Garo Hills and South West Garo Hills have also been identified for setting up of new helipads.
