NEW DELHI, Feb 9: The Centre wants to connect all state capitals in the Northeast with railway but the stalemate surrounding railway projects in Meghalaya continues due to opposition from pressure groups and some political parties which want a safeguard against influx first.
Recently, the Centre issued a “have it or leave it” ultimatum to the state government.
“As per our Constitution, both the Centre and the states have their own responsibility to carry out such projects of national importance with huge economic significance,” Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw had stated.
The state government will have to hold consultations with all stakeholders toward finding a solution. It is still not clear if it has made any fresh attempt for the talks.
The government did not face any hurdles when railway was introduced in Garo Hills. The Mendipathar railway station, inaugurated in 2007, is a hub for freight movement, significantly contributing to the state’s development.
This week, 21 wagon freight rakes carrying foodgrains for the FCI were unloaded, according to railway officials.
In the 1880s, the then British administration had connected Cherrapunjee, perched at an elevation of 1,484 metres, with railway. Had the project survived, it could have been a wonderful rail link.
The pressure groups want the government to put in place Inner Line Permit or a similar mechanism first before introducing railway in Khasi Hills. They fear that railway would compound the problem of influx.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who met the Minister for Railways, recently warned that Meghalaya would lose Rs 200 crore given to the state for land acquisition if the railway projects cannot be implemented.
The Tetelia-Byrnihat railway project, sanctioned in 2011, remains unfinished even after 13 years and since then, there has been no serious efforts by the state government to resume the work or hold negotiations with the opposing groups, an official in the ministry said on the condition of anonymity.
State BJP leader Mariahom Kharkrang recently batted for railway, at least for freight transport. He claimed that the railway provides better monitoring than roadways since travellers are required to disembark at designated stations where identity verification is easier.
