Mendipathar station should connect to Kanyakumari, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata: Tura MP

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 25, 2025

Congress MP from Tura, Saleng A Sangma, has renewed his demand for greater railway connectivity in Garo Hills, saying Mendipathar railway station should not be confined to short routes. He urged the Centre to link the station with major Indian cities and also to introduce goods train services that could transform the region’s economy.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Sangma said, “(I have urged the Centre to consider) that super-fast train should connect from Mendipathar to Kanyakumari, to Mumbai, to New Delhi and Kolkata. (After)… looking at the scenario of Garo Hills, I have asked for the goods train which the Prime Minister and minister concerned have agreed upon that they will look into this matter. Until and unless we get the goods train from Mendipathar, Garo Hills is not going to benefit out of that.”

The MP highlighted that Mendipathar station at present operates only between Mendipathar and Guwahati, with no goods train services. He said freight connectivity would enable the export of organic agricultural produce from Garo Hills to larger markets, creating opportunities for local farmers and entrepreneurs.

At the same time, Sangma flagged concerns over security and influx if the railway network were to expand further into Garo Hills. He pointed out that the railway line extends just 14 km from the Assam border to Mendipathar, and said proper security checkpoints would be needed if bigger expansion was pursued.

“That is why I am not asking to extend till Jengjal or other parts of Garo Hills,” Sangma said. “I just want expansion of the particular train station in Mendipathar and the extension of the train to go to any nooks and corners of India. We don’t have proper checkpoints. I don’t think it is wise for me to ask for that until and unless government got some other reason to extend it,” he added