Mendipathar poised to be Meghalaya’s railway gateway to Kolkata via Bangladesh

SHILLONG: Mendipathar, sole railway station in Meghalaya, is on track to establish a crucial link with West Bengal following the recent approval of the Final Location Survey (FLS) for 14 new railway routes by Indian Railways.

This development is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing international connectivity, particularly with Bangladesh and Nepal, while strengthening alternative routes to the Northeast.

The approved FLS covers a total length of 1275.50 kilometres, with a significant segment of approximately 250 kilometres dedicated to new lines along the West Bengal – Bangladesh – Meghalaya route, spanning from Balurghat to Hili, Gaibandha, Mahendraganj, Tura, and Mendipathar.

“This expansion will not only enhance rail connectivity with neighbouring countries but also boost trade and tourism activities in the Northeast,” commented a railway ministry official to a national daily.

The initiative reflects the government's effort to reduce dependency on the Siliguri Corridor route and streamline travel time to the Northeast region.

Mendipathar railway station, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, serves as a pivotal gateway in Meghalaya's Garo Hills region.

Recently, the station achieved a milestone with the introduction of electric trains, following the completion of electrification works on sections between Abhayapuri–Pancharatna and Dudhnai–Mendipathar by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) on March 15, 2023.