State bets on ILP for railway to grow

SHILLONG: The state government is hopeful the railway network can be expanded in the state once Inner Line Permit is introduced.
Talking to media persons here on Friday, Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong, said that the main concern of NGOs about railways in the state is how the state government will ensure influx does not take place once railway stations come up.
“The government is also concerned about influx and the flow of people from outside the state. One mechanism to deal with it is the MRSSA Act which was passed in 2016, and we made some amendments to it. Secondly, the state Assembly has adopted a resolution calling for implementation of ILP and if this is done we will be able to move ahead with railways in the state as a whole”, he said.
According to Tynsong, the state government is still in discussion with all stakeholders on the matter.
“I am sure that once the resolution that we passed is considered and the Centre grants us ILP, this issue can be dealt with”, he added.
Furthermore, he informed that the state government had two-three meetings with railway officials and they are ready to provide land for entry and exit points in the state to check influx.
“Work is on at the Mendipathar railway station and the railways has given us land to set up entry and exit points. Similar thing can happen in Byrnihat once all come on board”, he added.
It may be recalled that the state had witnessed stiff opposition to railways in the state with protesting groups, including the Khasi Students’ Union, making it clear that it would not be allowed until some mechanism or law is put in place to check influx.
The construction work of the Tetelia -Byrnihat railway line has remained stalledsince several years due to opposition from local NGOs who fear that railways would facilitate bring large scale influx into the state.
Of the 21-km project, only around two kilometres fall under the state.
Similarly, the plan to connect Shillong by railway has not fructified as the KHADC has refused to issue NOC for the project.