Railway: Mizoram shows the way, Meghalaya must rethink

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration of the fourth Rajdhani train connecting Aizawl to New Delhi marks a watershed moment for Mizoram and northeast India at large. For a landlocked state tucked deep in Northeast India, this railway connectivity is more than just infrastructure — it is a gateway to economic opportunities, cultural exchange, and national integration. It also reaffirms the Centre’s commitment to bridging the connectivity gap in the North East, which has long been a stumbling block in the region’s development.

But Mizoram’s leap forward stands in sharp contrast with the situation in neighbouring Meghalaya. While Mizoram has embraced development without hesitation, Meghalaya continues to waver, caught in endless debates over the entry of railways and the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP).

The resistance to railway expansion into Shillong, framed in the name of protecting tribal identity and culture, has effectively shackled the state’s economic progress.

Meghalaya’s tribes are proud people, known for their dignity and self-reliance. Indeed, one rarely sees beggars in the state — a testament to the social ethos that discourages dependence on charity.

Yet, paradoxically, when it comes to governance and fiscal stability, Meghalaya is perennially dependent on the central government, almost “begging” for funds to sustain itself. This contradiction undermines the very pride that the tribal communities hold dear.

The irony is stark. While Mizoram, the most literate state in India with a 98.2% literacy rate as per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023–24, is opening doors to connectivity and progress, Meghalaya remains mired in fear and suspicion.

The state, with 14,582 schools and disproportionately high teacher salaries draining its budget, ranks at the bottom of the Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2023–24 in education. Clearly, clinging to old demands like ILP while rejecting modern infrastructure has not safeguarded tribal identity; instead, it has impeded growth.

Railways have historically transformed the economies of every region they have touched. For Meghalaya, railway connectivity could bring down the cost of goods, improve mobility for students and professionals, and boost tourism in a state already blessed with unmatched natural beauty. It would also help curtail the illegal transportation of coal and other resources, which thrives in the absence of transparent, regulated transport networks.

The fear that railways will lead to an uncontrolled influx of outsiders is exaggerated. With strong local governance institutions like the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and community-based landholding systems still in place, Meghalaya has enough mechanisms to safeguard tribal interests. What is lacking is the political will to channel these protections into progressive policy.

Mizoram has not only embraced railway connectivity but also leveraged its high literacy to create a progressive and forward-looking society. Its ability to balance tradition with modernity offers a lesson for Meghalaya. Instead of hankering over “useless stuff,” as many critics argue, Meghalaya’s leaders and civil society must frame their vision around tangible development goals.

The narrative must shift from fear of external influences to confidence in internal strengths. After all, Mizoram, despite its geographical constraints, has emerged as a shining example of literacy, governance, and now, connectivity. If Mizoram can do it, why not Meghalaya?

Meghalaya’s future cannot be built on nostalgia and fear. While its people are hardworking and proud, the state’s political discourse often sidelines development in favour of hollow protectionism.

Mizoram’s railway line to Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati is not just a track of steel—it is a symbol of vision, confidence, and readiness for the future. Meghalaya must take a leaf from Mizoram’s chapter, shed its outdated apprehensions, and move forward boldly. Otherwise, it risks being left behind, a state rich in culture and beauty but shackled by its own reluctance to progress.

Banner image by Shantum Singh: https://www.pexels.com/photo/indian-railways-passenger-train-in-karnataka-29528961/

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