First Meeting of Committee on Railways to be Notified Soon, Only VPP has Responded,Indicating Disinterest: Meghalaya CS

Only the Voice of the People’s Party (VPP) has officially communicated its decision to not participate in the recently notified committee on railways

The much awaited first meeting of the committee on railways will be notified soon. This has been informed to Northeast Live by Meghalaya Chief Secretary; DP Wahlang. Talking to Northeast Live, Wahlang said that, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma is currently touring Garo Hills and the date for convening the first meeting of the railway committee will be decided once the Chief Minister returns to Shillong. Chief Secretary, DP Wahlang said that only the Voice of the People’s Party (VPP) has officially communicated its decision to not participate in the recently notified committee on railways. While the Congress has yet to send any formal letter to the government outlining its stand, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has also not clearly stated its position so far.

The committee on railways has already been notified, and so far, the government has not received any written communication from any other political party apart from a letter from VPP indicating disinterest on being part of the committee. The Chief Secretary said that any future responses from other parties will be taken into account as and when they arrive.

It may be noted that, railway projects in Meghalaya have been stalled for years. However, in April this year, the state government formed the committee on railways to reopen discussions after the Ministry of Railways asked Meghalaya to return the funds previously allocated for land acquisition related to the proposed railway lines.

Pressure groups in Meghalaya have strongly opposed railway expansion, particularly in the Khasi Hills, fearing it could lead to an influx of outsiders. These groups have demanded the implementation of a comprehensive protective mechanism, such as the Inner Line Permit (ILP), before considering approval for any railway project.

Meanwhile, the railways have been operating successfully in the Garo Hills for the past ten years, with no major concerns regarding influx. Mendipathar in North Garo Hills remains the only location in Meghalaya currently connected by rail.

The Meghalaya government has consistently stated that the development of railway infrastructure depends entirely on public consent. However, after failing to convince pressure groups in the Khasi Hills, the government is now cautiously exploring alternatives. Despite this, pressure groups have already voiced opposition to any new initiatives, and public opinion at large remains uncertain.

Also read: #RajaRaghuvanshiMurderCase | Meghalaya Police looking for Sonam’s Second Phone Supposed to Hold Vital Information

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