BJP leader Mariahom Kharkrang on Tuesday strongly advocated the introduction of railways in the state at least for freight transport, arguing that it would be a more effective way to check infiltration while also boosting the economy.Kharkrang said railways provide better monitoring of passengers than roadways, as travellers are required to disembark at designated stations, making it easier to track and verify their identities.
He made it clear that it was his personal opinion and not that of the party which is yet to discuss the issue.Kharkrang suggested that if concerns persist over passenger trains, Meghalaya should at least start with goods trains to tap into their economic benefits. He explained that rail connectivity would reduce transportation costs, enabling farmers to sell their produce at competitive rates and providing consumers with goods at lower prices.
“Transportation cost is a major factor in determining the price of materials coming into the state. If we introduce goods trains, our farmers will gain access to larger markets, and products from outside Meghalaya will become more affordable for local consumers,” he argued.
