By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 4: Despite opposition from pressure groups, the Meghalaya government has continued its effort to push railway projects in the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Tuesday said the government has held a series of informal discussions with the stakeholders on the issue. He added that a “concrete” meeting will be held once the stakeholders come on board.
Stating that the government is creating awareness, Dhar said it will take some time before people give their nod for railway projects. “It is not easy. It will take some time but we are sharing the idea with people,” he said.
The Northeast Frontier Railway has not been able to make inroads into Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills due to opposition from pressure groups which fear that the introduction of railways without inner line permit in place will aggravate the problem of influx of outsiders in the state.
The NFR has not been able to complete the construction of even a 2-km long railway line in Byrnihat due to opposition from pressure groups.
The government is, however, optimistic about the early expansion of Umroi and Baljek airports. The Umroi Airport expansion is likely to take around 18 months from the day when the work order is issued.
The government has not yet handed over land for expansion but the minister has assured that everything is on track. “We also keep on requesting the implementing agency to speed up the process of expansion,” Dhar said.
On the Baljek Airport, he said the state government has asked the Airports Authority of India to conduct an inspection on additional land required for the airport’s expansion.
He further stated that the government will slowly introduce larger flights at the Baljek Airport but the first priority is to get the airport ready.
