SHILLONG: A solution to the never-ending imbroglio over railway connectivity in the landlocked hill station remains elusive but an analysis of the situation shows that railways will benefit locals in many ways.
Sources said railways can definitely provide employment to youths in Meghalaya as most of the Grade D jobs are likely to go to the locals.
Besides, shops at railway stations will also be managed by locals.
There will also be jobs in the form of vendors selling different products on trains, sources added.
Railways will be the cheapest mode of communications and besides providing a better connectivity, it will facilitate long-distance travel and transport of bulky goods which are not easy from other forms of transportation.
The railway project in the state was stalled after a section of the pressure groups, which were sceptical about illegal migration to Meghalaya, resorted to violence.
However, the government is assuring that it can deal with the issue of influx after setting up entry and exit points in the state.
Naysayers also believe that since cleanliness is an issue in Indian trains, it will affect the state too. But the Centre has already started the process of installing bio-toilets in many trains across the country.
It is also feared that the railways will affect truck drivers’ livelihood.
Many believe that cases of eve-teasing will increase as till date, many women travelling on trains outside the state had to face taunts and lewd comments.
As Shillong is already congested, many say setting up of railway crossings in the city will worsen the situation.
At first, the government is trying to connect Byrnihat with railways while survey was also on for Byrnihat-Shillong railway project, which is on hold till entry and exit gates are set up.
