The state government believes that Meghalaya is in need of the railways, which have largely been opposed by pressure groups and certain political parties.
The central government’s patience with Meghalaya is wearing thin; the Centre has an aim to connect all the state capitals to the national rail network. Meghalaya’s only railway line at present is up to Mendipathar, just inside the border in Garo Hills. So far, pressure groups have been adamantly opposed to rail in Khasi-Jaintia Hills – against not just passenger services (which they posit will bring in a flood of migrants) but also freight rail (which they fear will be the start of a slippery slope to passenger trains). The opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) has adopted the pressure groups’ line that there should be no railways until the central government agrees to implement the Inner Line Permit (ILP) or similarly stringent system to keep a check on those entering the state.
On April 2 the state government formed an all-party committee to discuss the railway project, with the Chief Minister heading the committee. However, the VPP announced that there was no point to such a committee while ILP remains pending. The Meghalaya Assembly had unanimously voted in favour of a resolution for ILP in December 2019 but this has so far not been enough to convince the central government.
Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw recently stated that the Centre will not stop pursuing the rail project and is actively engaging with the concerned authorities.
Tynsong supported the Union Minister’s statement, agreeing that the central government remains keen to connect Meghalaya by rail – not for its own interest but for the benefit of the people of the state.
“When you talk about the state, recently Chief Minister Conrad Sangma constituted a committee. An all-party meeting will be held and the CM will meet with all concerned stakeholders to discuss the opposition or concerns raised. Even from the government’s side, we believe we need railways. But when I say that, it means we must carry everyone along. We can’t simply say we want it and it should just happen. Therefore, whatever issues exist, we will talk them through and sort them out,” stated Tynsong.
When asked whether at least a goods train could be considered, Tynsong agreed, saying they must first meet and hold face-to-face discussions with all parties and stakeholders. “Then we will understand what the problems and loopholes are and whether this project can move forward or not. So let’s wait,” said the Deputy CM.
When asked whether this would only result in a stalemate given that pressure groups are demanding that the ILP be implemented first, Tynsong reiterated that meaningful discussion can only take place once the all-party meeting is convened.
“We would like to meet them because, from the government’s side, we are very much in favour of ILP. The House has unanimously passed a resolution. So we want ILP to be implemented and we want to meet stakeholders to discuss these issues,” added Tynsong.
