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Amidst opposition, Meghalaya Government has not dropped the idea of having the railway project in East Jaintia Hills.
Deputy Chief Minister incharge of transport Sniawbhalang Dhar said the state Government will talk to all the stakeholders particularly from the ‘local’ area before moving ahead for the feasibility study on Railways in East Jaintia hills.
“Not dropped, we have not dropped the idea, it’s under discussion. Discussion with the stakeholders as some say they want railway while some says they don’t want railway… Discussion takes place automatically,” Dhar said.
Stating that the project is still under discussion, he said, “First we have to take all the stakeholders on board, as you know it will take time and as a Government we have to spread awareness first.”
Asked about opposition for Railways, the Deputy Chief Minister said, “We won’t say NGO, we respect the stakeholders.. NGOs are the stakeholders’ altogether.”
“Discussion is open for everybody.. Suppose now Railway project in East Jaintia Hills, how come they interfere from West Khasi Hills, suppose in Ri Bhoi, how come someone from Laitkor will disturb them… We will discuss accordingly especially with the stakeholders from the local area,” he added.
The state Government will create awareness before moving ahead with the project.
He said the centre is still examining ILP, but they are not keeping quiet.
“Centre is a Government, it’s not a private body, the Central Government.. Government of India”, Dhar said when asked about the query to HYC why Centre is taking so much time to examine ILP.
It may be mentioned that when it comes to the Railways in Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi section everything is being put on hold.
It may be mentioned that the Centre has proposed two railway projects in the state – the 22 km Tetelia-Byrnihat tracks and the 108 km Byrnihat-Shillong line.
However, these projects have faced roadblocks due to strong opposition from different quarters apprehending influx. Recently, various social organisations opposed the state government’s proposal of establishing a railway line in Khliehriat in Meghalaya citing the possibility of influx.