Shillong, Oct 10: Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Transport Sniawbhalang Dhar on Tuesday said the State government is not dropping the idea of introducing railway lines in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills region.

Speaking to reporters, Dhar said, “We are not dropping the idea. We are still examining.”

The railway projects in Khasi Hills region have faced roadblocks due to strong opposition from different quarters including pressure groups. These include 22-km Tetelia-Byrnihat tracks and the 108-km Byrnihat-Shillong line.

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.

He said that opposition against such projects will be there. He informed, “But it is the duty of the state government to create awareness (on 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.

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