Title - Meghalaya set to be in country's railway map soon

SHILLONG: Despite opposition from several quarters fearing influx of outsiders, Meghalaya is set to be included in the country's railway map with the Centre sanctioning at least two projects for the state.Chief Minister Mukul Sangma would lay the foundation stone for the state's first railway station at Mendipathar in Garo Hills region on Saturday, while the assembly was informed about a railway head connecting Shillong with Byrnihat in Ri-Bhoi district.Another railway line linking North Bengal and Garo Hills region via Assam is also in the pipeline.Sangma said he would lay the foundation stone for the railway station at Mendipathar in the newly created North Garo Hills district on September 8.The broad-gauge line between Dudhnoi in Goalpara district of Assam and Mendipathar would open up many opportunities for the people and the state in general, Sangma said outside the assembly.The project is supposed to be completed in 2012-13. The Shillong-Byrnihat railway head was set to be completed by 2018, Transport Minister A T Mondal said in reply to a question of Ardent Basaiawmoit, MLA of Nongkrem.The line will go through Byrnihat-Lailad-Nongsder- Umroi-Umpling Mawsapa to New Shillong, he said.Another railway line connecting North Bengal, Lower Assam and Garo Hills is on the pipeline, the chief minister said, adding necessary paper works were being carried out.

Introduction of railway head in the state were being opposed by influential students' body the Khasi Students Union fearing influx of migrants and illegal immigrants which could affect the demographic profile and the identity of the tribals in the state.