Meghalaya rail projects row: Minister Hek says need railways in state, UDP calls for proper consultation

The North-Eastern Frontier Railway, despite opposition, has decided to go ahead with the railway project, and are in consultation with the government

AL Hek (left) and Kyrmen Shylla (right)

Meghalaya BJP Legislator and Cabinet Minister AL Hek, despite opposition, has welcomed the railway project in Meghalaya stating Meghalaya should not stay in isolation and should be connected with the rest of the country and the world.

Taking the example of railway projects in Arunachal, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Manipur, he said that Meghalaya should also be connected with the rest of the world, adding the people should not stop any development coming to the state.

However, UDP Youth Wing president and cabinet minister Kyrmen Shylla said that proper consultation with the stakeholders is required to study the pros and cons of the railway project in the state before opposing it.

He also added that the state has immense potential for natural resources like limestone, coal, and other minerals, which are not fully utilized. He added that the transportation of these resources outside state is difficult due to the difficult terrain and distance, adding railways will ease the transportation.

It may be mentioned here that the North-Eastern Frontier Railway, despite opposition, has decided to go ahead with the railway project, and are in consultation with the government.

Replying to NGOs opposing the rail project, citing that it will increase influx in the state, he said that a study is needed to understand the dynamics.

He also said that instead of opposing the project, fearing an influx, “let’s allow railway transportation only for goods first.”

The 108-km Byrnihat-Shillong railway project is in doldrums. Apart from the Byrnihat-Shillong project, the 22-km Tetelia-Byrnihat railway line has also remained a non-starter in Meghalaya despite making considerable progress in Assam, with 10 km of the Tetelia-Kamalajari section being completed and commissioned.

It may be mentioned that when it comes to the railways in the Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi sections, everything is being put on hold amid various NGOs and the Khasi Students Union (KSU) opposing railway projects in the state, fearing an illegal influx of immigrants posing a threat to the indigenous communities.

Also Read: Railway project in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia hills still on cards: Dy CM

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