There is a clear economic benefit in having railways in the state, as has been seen for the people of Garo Hills, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said today.
Sangma said this when asked by the press on the issue of the railways, which yesterday saw pressure groups in Ri-Bhoi reiterate their opposition to the proposed project between Byrnihat and Tetelia in Assam.
The pressure groups fear that the coming of railways will make it easier for outsiders to enter the state in an unchecked manner and are thus opposed to it unless the Inner Line Permit (ILP) is implemented in Meghalaya.
The Chief Minister admitted that ILP is stuck for the moment as the Centre has not acquiesced to the state’s request for it to be introduced in Meghalaya. However, he said that while this makes it infeasible for passenger train services to operate, that should not get in the way of a goods train service.
Currently, Mendipathar in North Garo Hills is the only part of the state accessible by rail. Sangma said that the people, especially agriculturists, have benefitted enormously from the introduction of rail as they are able to sell their produce in Guwahati and earn more than they did before the service was introduced.
“There is a clear economic advantage and the people of Garo Hills have felt this economic advantage without the illegal immigration aspect,” the CM said.
The railway line to Byrnihat would also cut down on the number of goods trucks coming in from outside the state, an important issue during the time of Covid-19. Transporting goods by train would also bring about significant cost savings to consumers, he opined.
The CM further hoped that the pressure groups would not get in the way of a goods service to Byrnihat and, once the people are comfortable enough with it, passenger services can then be considered.
