Union Minister of State for Cooperation, Krishan Pal Gurjar, on Friday urged the Meghalaya government to initiate dialogue with groups opposing railway projects intended to connect all northeastern state capitals to the national rail network.
Speaking during his visit to East Khasi Hills, Gurjar underscored the Prime Minister’s vision for seamless connectivity across India, including remote regions. “The Prime Minister’s vision is to ensure strong and seamless connectivity across the country—be it through railways or airports—in every state capital,” he said.
The central government has proposed two key railway projects in Meghalaya: a 22-kilometre stretch from Tetelia in Assam to Byrnihat, and a longer 108-kilometre line from Byrnihat to the state capital, Shillong. While the Tetelia–Byrnihat project, sanctioned at ₹496 crore, has made some progress, it remains stalled amid persistent opposition.
Resistance to railway expansion in the state has remained a contentious issue for several years. Critics, including civil society groups, local communities, and various political voices, argue that introducing rail connectivity without sufficient safeguards may trigger large-scale migration, environmental harm, and a threat to the state’s indigenous identity. Proponents, however, view the rail network as vital for boosting the economy, improving market access, and reducing transportation costs in the hilly terrain.
“The state must engage with all stakeholders to address concerns and ensure that key infrastructure is not indefinitely held back,” Gurjar said, stressing the importance of inclusive development.
The Minister also reviewed progress on a series of central government schemes during his visit. In East Khasi Hills, he visited the Mawtawar Water Supply Scheme, a project lauded for its community-driven model supported by government funding.
Later, Gurjar chaired a review meeting with officials from the planning and cooperation department, assessing the implementation of various flagship schemes, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G), Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), National Livestock Mission (NLM), and the Mushroom Development Centre.
In his address, Gurjar reiterated the Centre’s long-term national growth agenda under the “Viksit Bharat 2047” initiative. “It is the Prime Minister’s belief that when the people prosper, the states prosper, and when the states prosper, the nation becomes a thriving, self-reliant country,” he said.
The Union Minister also took time to meet with beneficiaries of various central welfare schemes. Among them were rural job card holders, members of women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs) known as Lakhpati Didis, cooperative societies, and water conservation volunteers—referred to as “water warriors”—who are actively participating in sustainable development efforts across the state.
As Meghalaya continues to debate the future of its railway ambitions, Gurjar’s visit signals a renewed push from the Centre to address local anxieties through communication, transparency, and inclusive policymaking
