SHILLONG, June 19 - Union Minister of State for Railways, Rajen Gohain today said that the Centre wants to bring Railways into Meghalaya. However, without the cooperation of the State Government and the people, implementation of the project is not possible, he added.
There is a strong opposition towards Railways here in Meghalaya because of the fear that it would encourage influx into the State. Several NGOs are spearheading the opposition.
�The Centre wants to bring the Railways into Meghalaya and it would benefit the people. But if the people obstructs it, then it cannot come,� Gohain said at the sidelines of a programme.
He added that discussions were held with the State Government on several occasions about the proposed Railway project in Meghalaya. �The State Government has to tackle the local problem,� the Union Minister said.
Touching on the benefits of having the Railways, Gohain said that in States like Meghalaya it would boost tourism in a big way. He also allayed fears that Railways would destroy the environment and scenic beauty of the State.
Citing the example of Switzerland and Russia, Gohain said, the charm and beauty of these places together with the Railways has not diminished.
Gohain nonetheless added that if the people aren�t convinced of the benefits of the Railways and are opposed, then the Government would have to think in terms of scrapping the project altogether.
