SHILLONG, Feb 4: BJP leader Mariahom Kharkrang on Tuesday strongly advocated the introduction of railways in the state at least for freight transport, arguing that it would be a more effective way to check infiltration while also boosting the economy.
Kharkrang said railways provide better monitoring of passengers than roadways, as travellers are required to disembark at designated stations, making it easier to track and verify their identities.
He made it clear that it was his personal opinion and not that of the party which is yet to discuss the issue.
Kharkrang suggested that if concerns persist over passenger trains, Meghalaya should at least start with goods trains to tap into their economic benefits. He explained that rail connectivity would reduce transportation costs, enabling farmers to sell their produce at competitive rates and providing consumers with goods at lower prices.
“Transportation cost is a major factor in determining the price of materials coming into the state. If we introduce goods trains, our farmers will gain access to larger markets, and products from outside Meghalaya will become more affordable for local consumers,” he argued.
He urged the state government to engage with all stakeholders to find a solution that ensures security while allowing the state to benefit from railway infrastructure.
“The economic benefits to the state will be immense if railway service is introduced. The government should call all stakeholders to arrive at a solution which will benefit the citizens of the state,” he said.
According to Kharkrang, Meghalaya is currently missing out on the Centre’s push for development by not embracing railways.
The issue of rail connectivity has remained controversial in Meghalaya, primarily due to concerns over illegal immigration and its impact on local demographics.
The Ministry of Railways has put the onus on the state government to convince the stakeholders within a time limit to support the Centre’s push for railway projects in Meghalaya.
