The Meghalaya government has no intention to drop the idea of introducing railway lines in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills region.
“We are not dropping the idea. We are still examining,” Meghalaya deputy chief minister in-charge transport Sniawbhalang Dhar told reporters on October 11 while responding to a query on the stiff opposition against the government’s move to implement the railway projects in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills region.
Notably, the Centre has proposed two railway projects in the state – the 22-km Tetelia-Byrnihat tracks and the 108-km Byrnihat-Shillong line.
The Tetelia-Byrnihat project will be implemented at a cost of Rs 496 crore. However, these projects have faced roadblocks due to strong opposition from different quarters including pressure groups apprehending influx.
In view of this, the state government has decided to explore the possibility of introducing railway connectivity in East Jaintia Hills district but this move was also opposed by the people.
Dhar informed that no decision has been taken by the state government on whether to go ahead with the railway projects.
“This is because we first need to take all stakeholders on board and after that only we will take a call,” he said.
Stating that opposition against such projects will be there, the deputy chief minister said: “But it is the duty of the state government to create awareness (on the importance of the railways for the state). Therefore, awareness programmes are being organized by the deputy commissioners from time to time.”
“We will continue to have dialogues with (the stakeholders). If they say no to it, we will have to stop it,” he added.
Further, Dhar assured that the government will put in place anti-influx mechanisms if a railway line is constructed in the region.
