In a historic moment, for the first time ever in Manipur, a goods train with 12 bogies successfulluy passed through the verdant hill region of the state and arrived at Khongsang railway station of the Jiribam-Imphal railway line in Noney hill district on Monday.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday received the first goods train loaded with essential commodities at the Khongsang Railway Station. The goods loaded train was flagged off from Guwahati goods yard on Sunday, official sources said.
Altogether, 12 bogies of essential commodities reached the Khongsang Railway Station at around 12:30 pm Monday, with each bogie having the capacity of 60 metric tons, official sources said.
Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Relief and Disaster Management Minister Awangbow Newmai, Transport Minister Khashim Vashum, Chairman, Hill Areas Committee Diganglung Gangmei, Chief Secretary Dr. Vineet Joshi and other officials accompanied Biren while receiving the train.
Speaking on the occasion, N Biren Singh expressed happiness on receiving the goods train at this crucial juncture and added that it would ease the hardship faced by the people of Manipur due to shortage of essential commodities.
Biren said Manipur, being a landlocked state and faces frequent disruption by landslide, the operation of train would definitely bring a change in the development track of the state.
The Chief Minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for making the transportation of essential commodities through the Northeast Frontier Railways possible.
Biren also appreciated the people especially the Zeliangrong community of Noney and Tamenglong district for their cooperation and support in bringing railway service to Manipur.
Urging the Zeliangrong people, civil society organizations, and the Joint Tribe Council to take initiative in developing a railway department, Biren stated that one guest house would be set up in Khongsang village near the railway station. He sought support from the people in restoring peace and tranquillity in the state, adding that normalcy would come only through prayer and support of the people.
The traders’ representatives of Manipur thanked the chief minister and expressed hopefulness of reduction in the prices of essential commodities, if the supplies come in bulk.
It may be mentioned that during his visit to Manipur in May last week, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had announced transportation of essential goods items to the state by train up to Khongshang Railway Station under Noney district. Consequently, the state government has been working 24X7 in coordination with the Indian Railways to operationalise Jiribam- Khongsang line for goods trains.
