Shillong, Jun 30: Citing logistical bottlenecks due to absence of railway connectivity in the state, former Phulbari block committee president of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) Abu Sabir Mondal has urged the state and central governments to fast-track the development of a comprehensive, interconnected rail network across the state.
Mondal, in his petition to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and others urged them to expedite the establishment of a robust railway infrastructure. He said the proposed interconnected rail corridor is envisioned to bridge key localities such as Shillong, Ampati, and Phulbari, efficiently linking them to the strategically important Brahmaputra corridors.
Pointing out that implementing a comprehensive rail network would bring substantial strategic, economic, and tourism advantages, he said it is also expected to facilitate seamless integration between various zones in Meghalaya, like Aminda Rangsa, Sasatgre, and Amingokgre. Aligning this network with major bridge infrastructure over the Brahmaputra River would create direct and highly efficient transport routes into nearby states, such as Assam and West Bengal, he added.
Mondal said it is imperative for state and central governments to recognise the pressing need for an interconnected rail network in Meghalaya to address the logistical challenges that can foster substantial interstate trade, enhance economic activities and unlock the potential for tourism development in the region.
