By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 8: Despite officially returning over Rs 209 crore of non-utilised funds to the Union Ministry of Railways, effectively signalling the end of the road for railway projects in Khasi-Jaintia Hills, the Meghalaya government remains optimistic about reaching a consensus with stakeholders on the protracted topic.
Transport Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Friday made it clear that the chapter on railway expansion in Meghalaya is “not closed”, and maintained that the government would continue to traverse the consultation road with stakeholders.
Speaking on the long-pending railway issue in Khasi and Jaintia Hills, Dhar said the government believes in taking everybody on board and “bulldozing” its way through.
He said an all-party committee had been constituted last year to deliberate on the issue, but acknowledged that the process had not progressed substantially.
Referring to Garo Hills, where rail services have been functioning for nearly a decade through Mendipathar Railway Station, Dhar said public participation and perception differ from region to region. He said greater awareness efforts are needed in different localities before any railway project can move forward in Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
Railway projects in Meghalaya have remained stalled for years due to opposition from pressure groups, particularly in Khasi Hills, over fears of unchecked influx from outside the state. Several organisations have demanded implementation of a strong anti-influx mechanism such as the Inner Line Permit (ILP) before railway expansion is allowed.
