Shillong, Aug 25: Tura MP Saleng A. Sangma has urged the Centre to extend train services from Mendipathar railway station to major cities such as Kanyakumari, Mumbai, New Delhi, and Kolkata.
Speaking to reporters, Sangma said better connectivity would not only benefit passengers but also help in boosting trade. He stressed the need for goods trains in the Garo Hills, which he said is important for industries and entrepreneurship.
“I have requested the Centre to connect superfast trains from Mendipathar to different parts of the country. I also raised the demand for goods trains, and the Prime Minister and concerned ministers have assured that they will look into it. Without goods trains, Garo Hills will not get the real benefit,” the MP said.
Sangma added that the Garo Hills could use the railway link to export its organic farm products to other states, giving a boost to local farmers and the economy.
At present, Mendipathar railway station runs only one passenger service connecting it with Guwahati, and there are no goods train services.
On the issue of expansion, the MP expressed concern about security and influx if the railway line is extended deeper into Garo Hills. He suggested that security checkpoints must be set up before any further extension.
“Right now, the train only runs 14 km from the Assam border to Mendipathar, so influx is not much of a problem. But if the railway is expanded, proper checkpoints will be needed. That is why I am asking only for the extension of services from Mendipathar to other parts of India, not deeper into Garo Hills,” Sangma explained.
