Minister Rakkam Sangma urges CM to take up railways’ extension from Mendipathar
Shillong, July 21: Education minister Rakkam A Sangma, a strong advocate of enhanced railway connectivity in Garo Hills, has expressed the hope that chief minister Conrad K Sangma would take up with Central authorities a proposal to extend railway line to Baghmara in South Garo Hills.
The minister submitted a memorandum to the chief minister urging him to extend the existing railway line from Mendipathar to Baghmara via Nongalbibra or via Tura, Tikrikilla, Dalu.
If materialised, the railway line will boost economic opportunities and address the growing need for employment in the region, he said.
Expressing the hope that the chief minister would definitely take up the proposal with government of India, he said the former recognises the importance of this initiative for the state’s economic development.
He highlighted historical significance of connectivity in the region, noting that pre-independence trade with East Pakistan was thriving. However, partition of India led to a disruption in trade and commerce.
The minister emphasized the potential benefits of a railway connection to Baghmara stating that the line a railway connection would provide access to markets in Bangladesh and beyond, enabling the state to leverage its natural resources and cultural products.
He said that the initiative would create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth, addressing the growing need for jobs in the region.
A railway connection would also facilitate the growth of industries such as tourism, agriculture, and transport, reducing dependence on government jobs, he said.
