Shillong, Feb 9: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday asserted that introduction of goods trains up to Byrnihat in Ri Bhoi will be beneficial for the state and its people.
Sangma told reporters that the state government will continue to consult with the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and other stakeholders for taking the project forward.
This came days after the government’s request for issuing of a No objection certificate for acquiring over 47,000 sq meters of land for introduction of railway line in Byrnihat was rejected by the KHADC citing “fear of influx”.
Sangma said that the railway issue like many other issues has been pending for a very long time as there are many concerns that citizens of the state have and that a big project like this one has to carry and take the stakeholders along.
“One cannot bulldoze big decisions like these which are sensitive in nature. Therefore, it is always a process of consultations that can resolve these issues,” he said.
“Yes, there has been a concern from the KHADC but the government of Meghalaya will continue to discuss with them and consult with all stakeholders to try and take this project forward because as a government, we strongly feel that goods train up to Byrnihat is something that will be beneficial for the state,” he added.
The chief minister said because of the coronavirus last time, there was great difficulties to even get food essentials to the state as the danger of trucks and the truck drivers coming in bringing the virus was a major concern.
He said the Mendipathar railway station in Garo Hills was of great benefit as the government was able to keep the people safe as well as providing the goods to them.
“So we strongly feel that while we still continuing the consultations for passenger train, having a goods train coming to the state would be beneficial and I strongly feel that if we are able to move in that line we will be able to work with our stakeholders and find a way forward and I strongly feel this is something which we require in the overall larger interest of the people of the state,” he further asserted.
