Amid the ongoing crisis in the state, Manipur on July 24 welcomed the first-ever goods train, bringing hopes of a better future for the local economy.
Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh received the first goods train loaded with essential commodities at the Khongsang Railway Station in Noney district of Manipur on July 24 afternoon. The goods loaded train was flagged off from Guwahati goods yard on July 23.
Altogether, 12 bogies of essential commodities reached the Khongsang Railway Station at around 12.30 pm. Each bogie has the capacity of 60 metric tons.
Manipur works minister Govindas Konthoujam, relief and disaster management minister Awangbow Newmai, transport minister Khashim Vashum, chairman, Hill Areas Committee Diganglung Gangmei and other officials accompanied the chief minister while receiving the train.
Speaking on the occasion, N Biren Singh expressed happiness on receiving the goods train at this crucial juncture and added that it would ease the hardship faced by the people of Manipur due to shortage of essential commodities. He continued that Manipur, being a landlocked state and frequent disruption by landslide, the operation of trains would definitely bring a change in the development track of the state.
The chief minister thanked prime minister Narendra Modi and railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for making the transportation of essential commodities through the Northeast Frontier Railway (NF Railway) possible. He also appreciated the people, especially the Zeliangrong community of Noney and Tamenglong districts, for their cooperation and support in bringing railway service to Manipur.
Urging the Zeliangrong people, civil society organizations, joint tribe council to take initiative in developing a railway department, N Biren Singh stated that one guest house would be set up at Khongsang village near the railway station. He sought support from the people in restoring peace and tranquility in the state, adding that normalcy would come only through prayer and support of the people.
The traders’ representatives of Manipur thanked the chief minister and expressed hopefulness of reduction in the prices of essential commodities, if the supplies come in bulk.
