RailEnquiry

SHILLONG: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma on Saturday asked the people to change their mindset towards proposed rail projects.Dr Sangma said this after laying the foundation of Mendipathar Railway Station at Mendipathar College.Without taking the names of the NGOs opposing rail projects in Khasi Hills, Dr Sangma said, “We have missed several opportunities because of the opposition to setting up of railway line in the State. We must open up and change our mindset”.The Chief Minister also assured the people that the government will take steps to ensure that the demography of the State is not diluted.“The people should not have the perception of any alienation and all the fears of the people will be allayed” Dr Sangma said.He said that the railway line will improve and also develop the economy of the State.According to the Chief Minister, the Railway Station at Mendipathar would generate new hope to the people of Garo Hills as it will facilitate the marketing of farmers’ produce which are otherwise left to rot in the market places.Dr Sangma thanked the people of Mendipathar for extending full cooperation in ensuring that the railway station is set up without any hassle.The Mendipathar Railway Station will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 86 crore and is expected to be completed by 2013. Those who were present on the occasion include Transport Minister AT Mondal, Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh and Community and Rural Development Minister Saleng Sangma.