SHILLONG: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has stated that the North East Frontier Railways (NFR) should not be in a hurry to implement the railway project in the state as the state government has not come up with comprehensive mechanisms to check influx.
The KSU in a statement released here, reiterated that it would oppose any move to continue railway project in the state.
The KSU reacted to the initiative of the NFR in which its officials apprised the governor, Ganga Prasad, on the delay in the Byrnihat railway project.
Donald V Thabah, general secretary of KSU, said that the NFR is pressing for the railways in the state even as the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has not given no objection certificate (NOC) for the project from Byrnihat to Lailad, a village around 17 km from Byrnihat.
He went on to add that the NFR disregarded the directions of the state government to halt the railway projects until proper mechanisms are brought.
The KSU has urged the NFR to take into consideration the directions of the state government and KHADC.
At the same time, the KSU questioned the state government on the delay in setting up the entry and exit points in the state.
It may be noted that the cost of the proposed 20.5-km railway line linking Tetelia in Assam and Byrnihat in Ri Bhoi is estimated around Rs 496 crore. The length of the track in Meghalaya is just 2.5 km.
