Shillong : Efforts to expand railway connectivity across the Northeast received renewed focus as leaders emphasized the importance of public cooperation in linking the remaining states to India’s rail network.
Devesh Kumar, Bihar MLC and convener of the Budget Publicity Campaign for the Northeast, said local support is essential to accelerate rail expansion in the region.
Speaking in Shillong, Kumar noted that the recent rail connectivity to Mizoram marks a major milestone and described it as a significant benefit for the state.
“The Prime Minister wants each and every state to be connected by the rail network, but this has to be done with the help of the local population,” he said.
He stated that the government is willing to extend railway lines to the remaining states, but emphasized that cooperation from local communities is necessary for smooth implementation.
Shazia Ilmi, national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party, echoed the importance of the initiative, noting that work is already underway.
“The work has begun… we will ensure that it is supplemented and we really hope all states are connected,” Ilmi said.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to infrastructure development and improving connectivity across the region.
“We are completely dedicated and committed to it,” she added.
Rail connectivity is seen as a crucial driver of economic growth, tourism, trade, and mobility in the Northeast, with the Centre aiming to ensure that all states are integrated into the national rail network.