Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma assures no forced railway projects in Khasi and Jaintia Hills Region

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 21, 2023

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday assured that the government will not force implementation of railway projects in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills region.

Speaking to reporters, Sangma said that if there is a general feeling that a study on the impact of influx in the state should be conducted, the government will have no problem conducting such study.

“The study is not a big deal but influx is a big deal…I have made it very clear to the public that in no way are we going to bulldoze this kind of a decision where we are going to force this kind of a project to come through if the people and the community at large have concerns about it. We will address those concerns before we move on it,” he said.

Meghalaya’s high-speed connection: Optical fibre to reach every block

Sangma also informed he has made the state government’s stand very clear to the Union Railway Minister.

“In the meeting I had with him, I told him that there are concerns and without addressing those concerns, it would not be wise for us to simply bulldoze it,” he said.

Govt to acquire 50 acres at Rs 10 Cr for development of tourism at Nongmahir Lake

Sangma further informed that the railway minister had also mentioned that there were funds to be given to the State for land acquisition and other things as part of the project.

“But I made it amply clear to him that if directions are given and if there is a study that is done then this railway could be put in other parts of the state and if government of India so desires those funds can be used to develop the railway connectivity in areas which are viable, which will benefit the people and where the people are also happy to get the railways,” he said. He added, “The minister was also quite happy to hear that and said that they are flexible and open to consider shifting of the railway projects from Byrnihat-Shillong in terms of the funds that have been given to us to any other parts of the state. That is why we will consult with other regions and see the feasibility of shifting this project to any other parts of the state.”