Meghalaya forms committees for rly connectivity, winter capital

Shillong: Meghalaya govt has constituted two separate committees to assess the state of railway connectivity in the state and the feasibility of establishing a winter capital in Tura, West Garo Hills district.

According to a notification issued by the home (political) department, the railway committee will be chaired by the chief minister or a minister nominated by him.

It will explore potential solutions for railway construction, conduct a cost-benefit analysis, and engage with stakeholders before submitting recommendations to the state govt.

The committee will include representatives from all recognised political parties, with each party invited to nominate two members. Govt departments relevant to railway expansion will also be involved in discussions. Meghalaya currently has only one railway station, located at Mendipathar in North Garo Hills district.

Efforts to extend railway connectivity to the Khasi-Jaintia Hills have faced opposition from NGOs and student unions, who fear it may lead to an influx of outsiders into the tribal-majority state.

Meanwhile, a separate all-party committee has been formed to assess the feasibility of declaring Tura as Meghalaya's winter capital.

The committee will study the advantages and disadvantages of having two state capitals, taking into account demands from various civil society organizations and NGOs. It will also engage stakeholders before submitting its findings to the government.

The move comes after mounting pressure from groups in Garo Hills advocating for Tura's designation as a winter capital to improve administrative efficiency and ensure balanced development.

Chief minister Conrad K Sangma had assured the state assembly during last month's budget session that an all-party committee would be formed to review the long-standing demand.