A
day after Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda announced the first
passenger train in Meghalaya, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said the
introduction of rail-head in Meghalaya would boost the economy of the
landlocked state.
"The introduction of the train is an
opportune time for the people to derive maximum benefits in terms of
goods and services transportation and this should generate interest in
other parts as well," Chief Minister Mukul Sangma told PTI. "I foresee a
positive effect for the economy as well as transportation in the entire
state is dependent on roads. I expect changes in the mindset of the
people in the near future after this," he said. The train would connect
Mendipathar in North Garo Hills region of the state with Guwahati in
Assam on a daily basis. The distance between the two destinations is 131
km. Meghalaya has been without any rail-head since it attained
statehood in 1972 in the wake of stiff opposition from local pressure
groups for fear of influx of outsiders.
In this regard, the Chief Minister
assured that necessary steps will be taken into account to ensure that
the rail services do not have an adverse impact on the entry of
outsiders. "Necessary checks and measures will be put in place to ensure
that the concerns of the groups and all are addressed in right earnest
and we are hopeful that a proper mechanism and effective structure will
be put in place," he said.