By Our Reporter
Shillong: The State Government is attempting to maintain an optimistic approach over the issue of introducing railway in the State despite the stiff opposition to the same by certain NGOs.
“Discussions with the NGOs over the introduction of railways in the State is proceeding in the right direction,” Chief Secretary WMS Pariat said recently.
The State Government had, last year, held discussions with the NGOs of the State and urged them to stop their opposition to the railway in the State in the overall interest of the people.
“Railway is essential for the State,” Pariat said, while adding, that import of essential commodities via roads is quite expensive and this is taking a direct toll on the common man who has to labour for his daily bread and butter. The NGOs have been opposing the railway project in the State fearing that railway in the State would invite large-scale influx.
They have been demanding that the Government should first implement a strong and effective mechanism to check influx before moving ahead with the railway project in the State.
The NGOs have been most vocal in their opposition to the proposed Byrnihat-Shillong rail project. However, construction work for the Mendipther-Dudhnoi railway project in Garo Hills has been welcomed. Another proposed railway project from Tetelia to Byrnihat has also not been hit by any major stumbling block and even the alignment for the project has been completed.
The Railway Ministry had recently approved the Lanka (Assam)-Sutnga (Jaintia Hills) railway project but it also has been opposed by some organisations.
Meanwhile, the State Government is now focussed on another important railway project from Jogigopa (Assam) till Silchar which is proposed to pass through the southern stretch of Meghalaya, including Baghmara and Shella.