By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 16: The Meghalaya government is caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place as far as the Tetelia-Byrnihat railway project is concerned. The project remains a contentious issue, particularly in the Khasi Hills region, where concerns about the influx of outsiders have led to strong opposition from pressure groups.
On one hand, the state government is under pressure from the Union government to take steps to move the railway project forward while on the other hand, the opposition from political parties and pressure groups have virtually stalled the project.
While the government has, time and again, reiterated that it has not abandoned the railway project and would move forward only after taking all stakeholders (read as critics of the project) on board, it has neither taken any steps to hold talks with the pressure groups nor issued the NOC for the project.
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has lamented the lack of response from the Meghalaya government. Stating that the work along the Assam stretch has been almost completed, the NFR has warned that if the government fails to take active steps, it might abandon the project in the Meghalaya sector.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma reaffirmed on Thursday that any decision regarding the expansion of railways, including in the Garo Hills region, will be taken only after consulting with the people and taking them into confidence.
“Consultations with stakeholders will guide our steps forward. We will ensure that public confidence is at the core of any decision regarding the railways,” he said while addressing the issue.
While the Khasi Hills region has consistently resisted railway development due to fears of influx, in contrast, the Garo Hills region permitted a limited railway connection, with a railway line operational up to Mendipathar since 2014-15. However, no significant efforts have been made since to extend this network further in the Garo Hills.
Shillong remains one of the few state capitals in India yet to be connected by railway. Work on the Tetelia-Byrnihat railway project, which was expected to bring rail connectivity closer to Shillong, has been stalled since 2017.
The CM said efforts are under way to identify possible railway routes in different parts of the state, but these discussions are in preliminary stages.
The debate over railway connectivity highlights the balancing act between development and preserving the socio-cultural identity of Meghalaya.
While the state government continues its efforts to expand railway services, public consultation and addressing stakeholders’ concerns will remain critical to ensuring progress in this contentious area.