Imphal : Chief Minister N. Biren Singh today received the first goods train loaded with essential commodities at the Khongsang Railway Station, Noney District. The goods loaded train was flagged off from the 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 Diganglung Gangmei, Chief Secretary Dr. Vineet Joshi and other officials accompanied the Chief Minister 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 the shortage of essential commodities. He continued that Manipur, being a landlocked state and frequent disruption by landslides, the operation of trains 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. 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 Joint Tribe Council to take the initiative in developing a railway department, N. 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 tranquility 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 a reduction in the prices of essential commodities if the supplies come in bulk.

Mentioned may be made that during his visit to Manipur in the last week of May, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had announced transportation of essential goods items to the state by train up to Khongshang, Railway Station of Noney District. Consequently, State Government has been working 24X7 in coordination with Indian Railways to operationalise Jiribam- Khongsang line for goods Trains.