By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Preferring to err on the side of caution, Deputy Chief Minister Bindo M Lanong said the proposed railway project connecting Shillong to Byrnihat should be kept on hold since there was opposition to the project from several quarters, especially the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU).
“I don’t think we should go ahead and implement this project since there is strong opposition from the people especially the KSU,” Lanong said while speaking during the Round Table Discussion on Meghalaya Urban Infrastructure organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce here on Wednesday.
Lanong said there is a need for a detailed study to see whether the opposition of the KSU is justified.
“We can think of implementing the project once the people are in favour of it,” the Deputy CM said.
Lanong however stated that people of Jaintia Hills are ready for a railhead since they wish to transport their mineral resources via a cheaper and faster mode. The Sutnga-Lanka Railway project is perhaps designed to serve that purpose.
He also cautioned that railway projects should not traverse over forest or agricultural land, adding that the railway project between Dudhnoi and Mendipathar is appropriate since these are not major forest areas.
“Another important factor is that people themselves are in favour for the railway project from Dudhnoi to Mendipathar,” Lanong said.
Earlier, North East Frontier Railway Chief Engineer Madan Sen informed that due to opposition to the railway project between Byrnihat and Shillong they have not been able to conduct the final survey for the proposed project.
Although the deadline for completion of the project is 2013, Sen said that since they are yet to complete the survey, they would have to set a fresh deadline to complete the project within 2017 provided they are able to start right away.
Sen said the Department has not encountered any problems in the Tetelia-Byrnihat railway project and it is expected to be completed within 2014,
North East Frontier Railway Project informed that the Dudhnoi-Mendipathar Railway Project is expected to be completed within 2013.
