Shillong, July 21: Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma has expressed optimistic that Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma will pursue a proposal to extend the railway connection to Baghmara. According to him, this initiative will boost economic opportunities and address the growing need for employment in the region.
Addressing newsmen on Monday, Rakkam said, ” I have given a memorandum to the chief minister requesting him to extend the connection of railways from Mendipathar to Baghmara via Nongalbibra or via Tura, Tikrikilla, Dalu etc.”
“Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma will definitely take up the proposal with the government of India,” he said adding the chief minister recognizes the importance of this initiative for the state’s economic development.
highlighted the historical significance of connectivity in the region, noting that pre-independence trade with East Pakistan was thriving. However, the 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 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.