Shillong, Jan 26: Along with the rest of the country, Meghalaya also today celebrated the 65th Republic day in a befitting manner remembering all the great leaders who helped to shape the Country in true patriotic fervor and spirit of being a republic.
Amid customary shutdown, Meghalaya KK paul unfurled the national flag and took the salute at a ceremonial parade at the official function organised at Polo ground Shillong. Defying bandh, large number of people turn up for the official ceremony held at capital Shillong.
Meghalaya Governor KK paul said that the State need to reconsider its priorities in view of immense benefits in terms of socio-economic growth that the extension of railway lines can bring to the state.
Calling railways as the game changer, the Governor said “While the first railway line into the state of Meghalaya which is the Dudhnoi- Mendipather railway line in Garo Hills is expected to be commissioned by April 2014, the other projects in the Khasi Hills are held up on account of opposition from certain quarters.”
Governor Paul stated that it is rather ironical that while people in other regions of the country agitate to demand railway line, Meghalaya witness agitations opposing railway line.
“It is rather ironical that while people in other regions of the country agitate to demand railway lines, we witness agitation in our state opposing railway lines,” he said adding, “ Conceptually, a rail link to the Jaintia Hills side from Barak Valleyis also possible, which could help in transportation of coal.”
Pointing about the Airport in the state, the Governor said “the state does not have a fully functional airport as yet.”
Unfurling the National Flag at Polo Grounds in Shillong, Meghalaya Governor said Meghalaya has witnessed sustained economic growth but the infrastructure in the state is still inadequate and still many challenges are there. He said, “ to address this, a large number of projects and initiatives have now been taken up.”
He added, “ Key projects such as the four laning of the Guwahati-Shillong highway and construction of the road connecting Shillong and Nongstoin with Tura have made significant progress.”(SP News)
