SHILLONG, MAY 8: Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Transport Sniawbhalang Dhar on Friday said the government will not “bulldoze” railway projects in the Khasi-Jaintia region, stressing that implementation will depend on taking all stakeholders on board.
Asked about the status of the proposal for railway projects in the region, Dhar said, “We are still negotiating with the stakeholders. That is why the government never bulldozes things. We always take everybody on board. This is the people’s government.”
He confirmed that an all-party committee had been constituted last year to discuss the issue.
“Yes, an all-party committee was constituted last year. It takes time. It may take 10-15 meetings because we need to take everybody on board,” he said.
On why the Garo Hills region appeared more receptive to railway projects, Dhar said, “Our people are different from place to place. So that is the reason we have to create awareness for all local people. That is the reason why it is taking time. Every new thing takes time.”
When asked if more railway lines would come up in Garo Hills, he replied, “Let us see. As of now, let’s see.”
