Centre asks Meghalaya to surrender Rs 200 crore for railway land acquisition

CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma informed the Assembly on Tuesday that the Centre has directed the state government to return Rs 200 crore allocated for land acquisition related to railway projects in Meghalaya.

Sangma explained that no land had been acquired due to very strong resistance against the railway project. “We have received a letter from the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) on December 17, 2024, asking us to return the fund since it was not utilized for the past 7-8 years,” the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister further clarified that the government did not go ahead with the land acquisition because it is a sensitive matter. “…the Government of India has now asked us to refund the money,” he stated.

Sangma also acknowledged that in principle there is strong opposition against the proposed laying of railway tracks, highlighting that the government has been talking in multiple forums. “Therefore, it is not possible for us to move forward,” he added.

Despite the challenges, the Chief Minister also assured that the government will carry along all stakeholders before deciding to implement such important projects.

“I have also met the minister concerned on multiple occasions, and in the last meeting, I had hinted to the minister that we are not able to move ahead with the project due to strong resistance against laying of railway tracks,” he said.

Conrad Sangma reiterated the state’s need for the railway project from an economic standpoint. He said, “As a state government, we strongly felt there is a need for railways from an economic perspective of transportation of goods, as it is something that would ease the overall transportation of products from inside and outside the state...”

Also Read: Meghalaya: Illegal Alcohol Manufacturing Unit Busted In Barapani, Over 3,000 IMFL Cases Seized

Also Watch: