Shillong, November 9: The railway connectivity at Mendipathar in North Garo Hills district has significantly improved market access for local farmers, reduced transportation costs and created new economic opportunities for the region, according to North Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner M.S.N. Marak, IAS.
The Deputy Commissioner highlighted the benefits of railway connectivity during a visit by a team of journalists from Shillong to North Garo Hills on Monday, as part of a press tour organised by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR).
The visiting journalists toured Mendipathar Railway Station, the first railway station in Meghalaya, where they were briefed on the impact of rail connectivity on agriculture, transportation and economic development in the district.
Speaking during the visit, Marak said the railway service had provided farmers with a more affordable and convenient means of transporting their agricultural produce to markets outside Meghalaya, particularly Guwahati.
She explained that farmers could now transport freshly harvested vegetables and other agricultural products to Guwahati, sell their produce and return home on the same day.
According to the Deputy Commissioner, the facility has considerably reduced transportation expenses while enabling farmers to reach wider markets and improve their marketing opportunities.
Marak also highlighted the growing demand for organic vegetables from North Garo Hills in Guwahati, stating that railway connectivity had made it easier for farmers to take advantage of the demand.
She maintained that improved access to larger markets had created better opportunities for local farmers to sell their produce beyond the district and the state.
Besides benefiting the agricultural sector, the railway network has also helped reduce the cost of essential commodities by facilitating the direct transportation of goods into North Garo Hills.
The Deputy Commissioner pointed out that districts without railway connectivity generally face higher transportation costs, which can affect the prices of goods and agricultural products.
She said Mendipathar Railway Station had provided North Garo Hills with an advantage by offering an alternative mode of transportation for both people and goods.
Marak further informed that the railway facility was also being used to transport goods to major cities such as Kolkata and Delhi, while enabling products from larger urban centres to reach the region more conveniently.
She observed that the movement of goods through the railway network had strengthened trade connections between North Garo Hills and markets outside Meghalaya.
Highlighting future development prospects, the Deputy Commissioner said railway infrastructure in the region was being expanded, which was expected to improve connectivity further and encourage greater economic activity.
She expressed optimism that improved railway facilities would attract investors and create opportunities for industrial development in North Garo Hills.
According to Marak, better transportation infrastructure and the establishment of industries could generate new employment opportunities and strengthen the local economy. She maintained that the benefits of railway connectivity would extend beyond farmers and traders, contributing to the overall development of the district and Meghalaya.
