Pala Urges Introduction of Goods Trains in Meghalaya to Curb High Prices and Illegal Tolls

Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Vincent H Pala has once again pressed for the establishment of rail freight services in the state, arguing that the absence of goods train connectivity is a major factor behind inflated costs of daily essentials and the continued operation of unauthorised toll points.

In his renewed appeal, Pala highlighted the substantial economic strain placed on consumers due to reliance on road transport. He claimed that trucks carrying goods from Guwahati to Silchar are forced to navigate approximately 22 illegal toll gates , where operators demand payments ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per checkpoint. These unofficial levies, according to Pala, are passed on to buyers, driving up the prices of food items, construction materials, and other commodities throughout Meghalaya.

To illustrate the impact, the MPCC leader pointed to stark price differences for the same goods within the state. For instance, essential building materials like cement are sold at considerably higher rates in remote areas such as Ladrymbai compared to Shillong — a disparity he attributes to poor governance, logistical inefficiencies, and exploitative practices rather than any genuine scarcity.

Drawing from his experience as a former Union Minister, Pala recalled that necessary clearances for railway surveys in the Jaintia Hills and Shillong areas had already been obtained during his tenure. While he welcomed recent advancements in road networks, including the expansion of four-lane highways, and better air links via Umroi Airport, he insisted that these improvements fall short of providing lasting economic benefits without the integration of rail-based freight transport.

Pala outlined several advantages of introducing goods trains, including reduced reliance on intermediaries, the ability to circumvent illegal toll collections, decreased highway congestion through the diversion of heavy loads to rail, and ultimately lower overall transportation expenses. He emphasised that such a move would deliver tangible relief to consumers, support local traders, and empower producers across the state.

Addressing longstanding apprehensions from pressure groups regarding potential increases in illegal immigration, Pala called for open, informed public discussions and broad consensus-building. He said that people already enter Meghalaya via buses, taxis, and flights, underscoring that legitimate concerns about protecting indigenous identity should be managed through robust policies and enforcement mechanisms — not by blocking developmental infrastructure that could fuel economic progress.

Also Read: From the Brahmaputra to orbit: Northeast India enters space age with LACHIT-1 satellite