Shillong, March 4: Three South Garo Hills MLAs met Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Tuesday and submitted a letter seeking extension of railway connecting Mendipathar-Baghmara and Dhaka, Bangladesh from Guwahati.
Though Mendipathar has an active railhead, the Centre has asked the state to surrender over Rs 200 crore sanctioned for the rail project in Khasi Hills since 2017.
The three MLAs Rakkam Sangma, Kartush Marak and Sengchim Sangma said in the letter that the initiative will enhance international trade, commerce, tourism and education.
“We would like to bring to your kind attention a matter of great importance for enhancing connectivity and fostering economic, educational and cultural ties with our neighbouring country, Bangladesh. The proposal concerns the development of the railway line from Guwahati to Mendipathar extending to Baghmara and ultimately reaching Dhaka in Bangladesh. This railway link could prove to be a significant asset for the region, benefiting not just our state but the entire Northeastern part of the country”, they said.
The geographical area between Baghmara and Mymensing, Bangladesh shares international border, making it the nearest point for international rail connectivity between India and Bangladesh. This proposed route has immense potential to facilitate International trade and commerce, encouraging tourism, and enhance educational exchanges between the two countries, the MLAs said.
Prior to independence, the regions now known as India and Bangladesh shared robust trade relations, primarily through barter systems. This historical connection underscores the potential benefits of re-establishing direct trade and movement channels between our nations, the letter said.
Baghmara, situated on the right bank of the Simsang river, borders Bangladesh and serves as a significant commercial hub in Meghalaya. Its proximity to Bangladesh positions it as an ideal location for facilitating cross-border trade and movement. The establishment of an Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Baghmara, South Garo Hills would streamline customs and immigration procedures, facilitating the efficient movement of goods and services, thereby boosting bilateral trade.
“The establishment of this railway corridor will not only shorten the travel time but will also provide better access to markets, business hubs and educational institutions on both sides of the border as this will certainly boost the economy of the region. Furthermore, it could play a pivotal role in boosting bilateral relations and offering new economic opportunities for local communities, especially those residing along the route”, the MLAs said.
The nearest railway station in Bangladesh to Baghmara is the Jaria, located in the Mymensingh Division. Establishing a direct rail link from Baghmara to Jaria would significantly enhance connectivity, enabling smoother movement of goods and passengers and also once connected, will serve as a critical point of access for these vital sectors.
The MLAs urged the chief minister to take up this matter with the Ministry of Railways for the inclusion in the National Railway Development Plan and to facilitate the planning, design and construction of the necessary infrastructure to bring this important connectivity project to fruition. This will certainly open up doors for the global tourism integration across the member countries of SAARC, BIMSTEC, ASEAN and Indo-pacific countries.
“A well-connected transport network will not only increase economic co-operation but will also help build stronger cultural and educational ties between India and Bangladesh. We firmly believe that this railway link can be a game changer in promoting regional development and prosperity. We believe that you will give due consideration to this request and take the necessary steps to initiate dialogue with the Ministry of Railways for the timely execution of this crucial project”, the MLAs said.
