First-ever goods train unloading in Meghalaya takes place at Mendipathar

The only railway station in Meghalaya, the Mendipathar Railway Station in Garo Hills, which is part of the Rangiya division of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), achieved a historic milestone for railway logistics in the Northeastern region on Tuesday by unloading a goods rake for the first time. This comes at a time when the railway is facing fierce opposition in Khasi Hills due to fears of influx.

“The rake, comprising 21 wagons of food grains for Food Corporation of India, arrived at Mendipathar station at 9:20 am, and was placed for unloading at 9:40 am, marking the first-ever occasion of goods train unloading in Meghalaya,” NFR informed in a statement issued here on Thursday.

Operational since August 29, 2014, Mendipathar railway station is the first railway station in Meghalaya. It is equipped with four lines, and a spacious goods circulating area for handling freight trains.The milestone is an important step for the station in its goal to boost the local economy and facilitate the smooth movement of essential commodities in the region. It also demonstrates the preparedness and availability of ancillary services at the station including trucks, labour and expertise of goods handling.