SHILLONG, Oct 14: Tura MP Saleng Sangma has urged the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) to extend the railway line from Mendipathar till Jengjal on the outskirts of Tura once the Inner Line Permit is implemented in Meghalaya.
Sangma placed his demand during a meeting with NFR officials on Tuesday.
During the meeting, Sangma stressed on the need to intensify security at Mendipathar railway station and all other stations on the Dudhnoi-Mendipathar route to prevent influx.
“Every station on this railway line should have security checking and presence of RPF should be strengthened to ensure that no illegal migrants enter Garo Hills through railways,” he said while adding that TTEs should examine the tickets of all the passengers on this line.
He asserted that the railway line can be extended till Jengjal if necessary security measures against influx and other illegalities are implemented.
Sangma also demanded that the Mendipathar railway station should be upgraded into a modern railway station with services of Vande Bharat and other trains to connect Garo Hills with metro cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, and Kolkata.
During the meeting, NFR officials stated that the Meghalaya government should return around ₹269 crore to them which was sanctioned few years ago if they are unable to acquire land for the railway projects in the state.
