Shillong, Aug 4: If Khasi-Jaintia Hills is not keen on getting railways, Garo Hills would like to use it as an opportunity to demand further extension of railways in the region.
Cabinet minister Marcuise N Marak is among many voices from Garo Hills advocating for railway connectivity in Garo Hills, which was brought into the railway map in 2014 with the sole railway station at Mendipathar, North Garo Hills.
On the other hand, due to stiff opposition from NGOs concerned about increased influx of outsiders, the railway project to connect Khasi Hills has been in limbo for decades.
“If Khasi (and Jaintia) Hills is not going for railways, definitely we would demand (it in Garo Hills) as we need extension of railway from Mendipathar,” Marak reiterated on Monday.
The NPP MLA from Williamnagar said Siju-Rongara legislator Rakkam A Sangma has already demanded railway extension to Baghmara and there are demand for connecting West Garo Hills as well with railway network.
Marak emphasised that extending the railway line from Mendipathar would greatly benefit the region, especially with the upcoming Phulbari-Dhubri bridge, the longest river bridge (over 19 km) in the country across Brahmaputra.
Underlining the need for extension of the railway line to South West Garo Hills, he said agriculture produces of the region may create a lot of business opportunities once Phulbari and Dhubri are connected by the bridge.
The proposed railway extension would not only enhance connectivity but also boost business activities in West Garo Hills.
Asked if he would submit a proposal to the government, Marak expressed his satisfaction that the proposed extension of railway line to Baghmara would likely pass through Williamnagar, benefiting the area.
“That is good enough for me because if the railway line is extended to Baghmara, definitely it will go through Williamnagar,” he added.
