Meghalaya gets its 1st Electric Train

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 17: Meghalaya got its first electric trains after the NF Railway has commissioned Dudhnoi – Mendipathar (22.823 Track Kilometre) single line section and Abhayapuri – Pancharatna (34.59 Track Kilometre) double line section on March 15, in an endeavor for complete electrification.

The Central Organization for Railway Electrification (CORE) has carried out the electrification works in these sections.

Mendipathar is the only railway station in the north-eastern state of Meghalaya which is in operation since 2014 after being inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India, Chief Public Relations Officer Sabyasachi De said.

After commissioning of electric traction, trains hauled by electric locomotive will now be able to operate directly from Mendipathar in Meghalaya which will increase the average speed.

More passenger and freight carrying trains will be able to operate through these sections with full sectional speeds. Punctuality will also increase in this section.

Parcel and freight carrying trains hauled by electric locomotives from other states will be able to reach Meghalaya directly.

Electrification will significantly improve the mobility of trains in Northeast India.

In addition to the reduction in pollution due to the shift from fossil fuel to electricity, the efficiency of the Railway system in the region will also improve.

This would facilitate seamless traffic and also save time of the trains moving to and from northeastern states apart from savings in precious foreign exchange.

Opposition will keep govt on its toes: Ronnie V Lyngdoh, CLP Leader

Staff Reporter

Shillong, March 7: Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader Ronnie V Lyngdoh has stated that the opposition bench will ensure that the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance-2 government is put on its toes and works for the interest of the people.

Lyngdoh told reporters today that the question of who will be leader of opposition is therefore irrelevant because the three political parties will play the role of a constructive opposition.

The combined strength of the opposition bench is 14 of which 5 are from Congress, 5 All India Trinamool Congress and 4 Voice of the People Party.

The Mylliem legislator however said that if one goes by convention then the post of leader of opposition should go to the Congress, being a national party.

“But then we will work it out as we are there to provide constructive opposition. If as a constructive opposition we can ensure the state benefits, I think that will serve the purpose,” he stated.

The three opposition parties had tried to form an alternative government with the United Democratic Party, Hill State People’s Democratic Party and People’s Democratic Front but failed after two HSPDP MLAs decided to support the NPP.

Later, the UDP and PDF also went to extend full support to the Conrad K Sangma-led government.

When asked, Lyngdoh said, “I think they (HSPDP, UDP, PDF) have opted for a better option ‘stability’ for the state.”

“I hope this stability will ensure development and prosperity for the people of the state which is badly required,” he added.

He further urged the new government to take all basic necessities be it health infrastructure, education sector and others into consideration and “ensure in the next five years the state moves forward in every sphere be it in infrastructure, be it in social sector, be it in any sector.”