SHILLONG, MAY 8: Sniawbhalang Dhar on Friday said the Meghalaya government would move forward with proposed railway projects in the Khasi-Jaintia region only after building consensus among all stakeholders.
Speaking to reporters, Dhar stressed that the government would not impose projects without public consultation.
“This is the people’s government. We negotiate with the stakeholders. That is why government never bulldozes things. We always take everybody on board,” he said while responding to queries on the status of the proposed railway lines in the Khasi-Jaintia region.
Dhar said an all-party committee constituted last year to examine the railway issue was continuing its deliberations.
“Yes, an all-party committee was constituted last year. It takes time. It may take 10-15 meetings because we need to take everybody on board,” he said.
Explaining why discussions on railway connectivity were progressing more slowly in Khasi-Jaintia Hills compared to Garo Hills, Dhar pointed to differing public perceptions across regions.
“Our people are different from place to place. So that is the reason we have to create awareness for all local people. That is the reason it is taking time. Every new thing takes time,” he added.
On whether the government was considering additional railway lines in the Garo Hills region, Dhar said no immediate decision had been taken.
“Let us see. As of now, let’s see,” he said.