Shillong, January 22, 2025: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has revealed growing pressure from the Railway Ministry regarding the state’s stalled railway projects in Byrnihat and Shillong. Speaking on Wednesday, the Chief Minister acknowledged the Ministry’s concerns and the looming possibility of a formal deadline for resolving the matter.
Talking to Media persons in Shillong, the Chief Minister said, “Very soon, the Railway Ministry will be writing to the state government, giving us a three-to-six-month deadline to take a decision.”
Sangma further added, “If this issue is not resolved in one way or the other, the ₹200 crores allocated for land acquisition, lying with the Deputy Commissioner since 2017, will have to be returned. And more importantly, this project will then be canceled, with funds likely redirected to regions more open to the idea.”
The Chief Minister emphasized the need to engage stakeholders before proceeding with such significant projects. “When I met the Railway Minister, he expressed concern about the Byrnihat and Shillong railway projects. I made it clear that we need to take stakeholders into confidence. Without their agreement, it wouldn’t be proper to push forward on such a sensitive issue,” he explained.
Sangma highlighted the Railway Minister’s understanding of the situation but noted the Ministry’s insistence on action. “The Minister has given a strong statement. He said that if we cannot resolve this within the specified time, the funds will be recalled, and the project will be canceled. He even indicated that he might personally meet stakeholders to emphasize the importance of this initiative,” he added.
Acknowledging the economic potential of the railway projects, the Chief Minister described their cancellation as a significant loss. “These projects are valued at thousands of crores and could have a transformative impact on the state. However, as I have always stressed, taking the community and people on board is essential before making a decision of this magnitude.”
On a separate note, the Chief Minister also discussed his meeting with the Union Minister for Minority Affairs. “We have submitted proposals worth over ₹1,000 crores for various projects and requested support for these initiatives. The Minister has asked for further clarifications, and we are optimistic that some of these projects will be approved,” he shared.