CM meets NFR team to find rail solution

SHILLONG: Railway is an important infrastructure that Meghalaya needs for economic development, said Chief Minister Conrad Sangma after a meeting with officials of the Northeast Frontier Railway on Friday.
Sangma held a review meeting to find a solution to the contentious issue. Two railway projects in the state — 21.5-km Tetelia-Byrnihat railway line and the proposed railway line from Byrnihat to Shillong — were stalled last year after pressure groups resorted to violent protests.
“The meeting was called to understand the current status of railway in Meghalaya. The GM (of NFR) has spoken to us about the kind of sanctions and status of the budget,” Sangma told reporters.
On the importance of the projects, the chief minister said, “We feel it is an important economic aspect that is there in every part of the world. It is something we feel will change the economic scenario in our state and it is an important infrastructure which our state does require.”
When asked about the concerns of the local people and stiff resistance from certain groups, Sangma said it is the duty of the government to understand and ensure that local sentiments are not hurt.
“So we need to balance it out and take things forward… we will discuss all these concerns and take all stakeholders and political parties into account before we move forward for any important decision or very important development aspect like this. Different concerns need to be addressed,” he added.
The Centre has earmarked Rs 8,000 crore for Meghalaya for the development of railway projects and highways.