First goods train arrives at Khongsang station
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, July 24 2023:
Chief Minister N Biren Singh today received the first goods train loaded with essential commodities at the Khongsang Railway Station, Noney district.
The loaded goods train was flagged off from Guwahati goods yard yesterday.
Altogether, 12 bogies of essential commodities reached the Khongsang Railway Station at around 12.30 pm today.
Each bogie has a capacity of 60 metric tons.
Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Relief and Disaster Management Minister Awangbow Newmai, Transport Minister Khashim Vashum, Chairman, Hill Areas Committee Dingang-lung Gangmei, Chief Secretary Dr Vineet Joshi and other officials accompanied the Chief Minister to Khongsang.
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Speaking on the occasion, N Biren Singh expressed happiness on receiving the goods train at this crucial juncture amid the crisis and added that it would ease the hardship being faced by the people of Manipur due to shortage of essential commodities.
He continued that Manipur, being a landlocked State and frequent landslides disrupting supply of essential commodities on road, the operation of train would definitely bring a positive change and put the State on track for development.
The Chief Minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for making the transportation essential commodities through the Northeast Frontier Railways possible.
He 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, N Biren stated that one guest house would be set up at Khongsang village near the station.
Seeking support of the people in restoring peace and tranquillity in the State, he said normalcy would come only through prayer and support from the people.
The traders' representatives of Manipur thanked the Chief Minister and expressed hopefulness that prices of essential commodities would be reduced if ferried by train.
It may be noted that during his visit to Manipur in the last week of May, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had announced that the Khongsang railway station in Noney would be made operational to ferry essential goods to the State.
Consequently, the State Government had been working 24X7 in co-ordination with Indian Railways to operationalise Jiribam-Khongsang line for goods trains.