Shillong: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister In-charge Transport Sniawbhalang Dhar has assured that no railway project will proceed in the Khasi-Jaintia region until all stakeholders are in agreement.
“The Chief Minister is yet to convene an all-party meeting that will include various stakeholders. We will have a thorough discussion and listen to everyone. Rest assured, there will be no railway project unless there is consensus. We always prioritise the people,” Dhar stated on Monday.
The state government recently established an All-Party Committee on railway connectivity.
The committee’s mandate includes exploring solutions and strategies to introduce and construct railways in Meghalaya.
It will also evaluate the cost-benefit implications of railway connectivity and gather stakeholder feedback before making recommendations to the state government.
Meanwhile, the Voice of the People Party (VPP) has acknowledged the government’s efforts in forming the committee but emphasised that addressing concerns about unchecked influx must take precedence over railway discussions.
The VPP highlighted that mechanisms such as the Inner Line Permit (ILP) should first be implemented to safeguard the identity and interests of the indigenous population.
ALSO READ: Nagaland launches solar mission to address power deficit, promote sustainable energy
“Without reliable measures to regulate immigration, any deliberation on railway connectivity risks undermining the welfare of local communities,” the party said in a statement.
Consequently, the VPP announced its decision not to participate in the committee’s discussions at this stage, urging the government to prioritise measures to prevent influx before considering railway projects in the region.
