CM Biren Receives First Goods Trains at Khongsang Railway Station

Last Updated on September 24, 2023 by SPN Editor

Noney/ July 25, 2023 (SPN) | Chief Minister N Biren received the first goods train loaded with essential commodities at the Khongsang Railway Station in Noney district yesterday.

The goods train was flagged off from the Guwahati goods yard on Sunday and arrived at the station with 12 bogies of essential commodities, each having a capacity of 60 metric tons.

Given Manipur’s landlocked status and frequent disruptions of essential supplies due to landslides on roads, the operation of the train is expected to bring positive change and foster development in the state.

CM N Biren extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for making the transportation of essential commodities through the Northeast Frontier Railways possible.

The Chief Minister also commended the cooperation and support of the people, particularly the Zeliangrong community of Noney and Tamenglong districts, in bringing railway services to Manipur.

He urged them to take the initiative in developing a Railway Department and announced plans for setting up a guest house near the Khongsang village station.

During his speech, N Biren emphasized that normalcy in the state can only be achieved through prayer and support from the people, urging everyone to contribute to restoring peace and tranquility.

Representatives of traders in Manipur expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister and voiced hope that the availability of train transportation would lead to reduced prices of essential commodities.

It is worth noting that during his visit to Manipur in May, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the operationalization of the Khongsang railway station in Noney to facilitate the ferrying of essential goods to the state.

In response, the State Government worked tirelessly in coordination with Indian Railways to operationalize the Jiribam-Khongsang railway line for goods trains.

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Accompanied by Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Relief and Disaster Management Minister Awangbow Newmai, Transport Minister Khashim Vashum, Chairman of Hill Areas Committee Dingang-lung Gangmei, Chief Secretary Dr Vineet Joshi, and other officials, the Chief Minister expressed his happiness at the arrival of the goods train at such a crucial juncture during the ongoing crisis.

He noted that it would alleviate the hardships faced by the people of Manipur due to the shortage of essential commodities.

N Biren tweeted, “Delighted to witness the momentous arrival of the inaugural goods train at Khongsang Railway Station today. This development heralds a plethora of opportunities for the people of Manipur, promising expedited transportation of goods and essential commodities.

The seamless logistics shall undoubtedly catalyze industrial growth, augment trade and ultimately enhance the overall quality of life. Grateful to Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji for his pivotal role in advancing the state’s economic prospects through this monumental initiative.”