Shillong, Oct 26 : Meghalaya Cabinet Minister and MLA from East Jaintia Hills, Kyrmen Shylla has voiced in favour of introduction of goods trains in the Jaintia Hills region saying goods trains have nothing to do with influx.
Stating that he is neither against nor support of railways, the Minister played safe and maintained that he would support railways if it serves the requirement of the people and he would be against it if it does not serve any purpose.
Asking people not to judge quickly and come to conclusions on their stand for the railways, the Minister said if the railways has to come to Jaintia Hills, it has to come with the consent of the public
Informing that they have verbally discussed about the project with the stakeholders, Shylla said that everyone is keen to have a meeting to discuss about railways and they would ask the Chief Minister to convene a meeting for the same.
“ If the people are against it, we have to go against railways and if people are in support , then we will support it, he said
Admitting that there are apprehensions with passengers trains with regards to influx, he said that the Government can be definitely asked to introduce goods trains as it has nothing to do with influx and it would also help in cheap transportation of the materials.
“ We have seen many accidents on roads and even road damages will be less besides there will be no traffic jam if goods trains are there,” the Minister said
After losing on the idea of bringing railways to Shillong, the State Government now seems keen in bringing railways to Jaintia Hills. However, as usual, the pressure groups in Jaintia Hills are opposing railways.
Recently, senior Cabinet Minister Comingone Ymbon had batted for introduction of railways in Jaintia Hills as a way to cut down on the price rise in the state.
