Meghalaya

In a significant boost to Meghalaya’s railway connectivity, Indian Railways has successfully delivered its first freight shipment at Mendipathar railway station in North Garo Hills. The milestone is expected to enhance logistics and strengthen the transportation network in the region. The shipment, consisting of 21 wagons of foodgrains for the Food Corporation of India (FCI), arrived at Mendipathar station on February 4 at 9:20 AM and was placed for unloading at 9:40 AM. Officials from the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) confirmed that this marks the first-ever unloading of a goods train in the hill state, further integrating Meghalaya into the country’s freight movement system. “Mendipathar railway station is set to emerge as a crucial hub for freight operations in Meghalaya. This de...

At the 4th WAKO India Open International Kickboxing Tournament held at K D Jadhav, Indira Gandhi Sports Complex from 1st - 5th February 2025, once again Babit Kharsahnoh of Nongpyrdet Ri-Bhoi District and Smit Liamthaw with a ranking of World No.10 in 2021 in Kickboxing retained his International title for the K1 Rules event below 51 Kgs Senior Men category as the National Ranking Kickboxer clinching the Gold medal against his own counterpart new entrant Kerborlang Hing from Bhoirymbong Ri-Bhoi District. Babit Kharsahnoh himself has his own Tribal Combat Academy at Madanriting.  At the same time Evangel Pohplet (K1 Rules below 52 kgs Women Senior category of Riat Laban Kynjatphutbol and a student of Lady Keane's College Shillong BA 4th Semester wins against the Asian Kickboxing Silve...

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 Megha...

Hinting at a storm of irregularities that is brewing in licensing of wine stores in the region, RTI activist Disparsing Rani has accused authorities of allowing illegal wine store operations by bypassing established protocols and, in some cases, resorting to forgery to secure mandatory clearances. Every wine store in the area is required to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local headman, along with strict adherence to guidelines concerning the distance of these establishments from schools and other sensitive areas. “Any wine store must obtain an NOC and follow the designated safety protocols. However, in certain parts of the ‘polo area’, stores are operating without these approvals, and there are even allegations that documents have been forged to meet these requirements,”...

In a major crackdown on polluters, the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has shut down six industrial units in Byrnihat for failing to comply with environmental norms. The action follows inspections conducted in the industrial belt on January 24, 27, and 31, revealing severe lapses in pollution control measures. The industrial hub of Byrnihat, located along the Assam-Meghalaya border in the Ri-Bhoi district, has been a repeated offender in pollution-related violations. Despite previous warnings and actions by regulatory authorities, industries in the area continue to flout environmental norms, raising concerns about air and water pollution levels affecting local communities. The units served closure notices include Shyam Century Ferrous Ltd, Khasi Alloys Ltd, SR (India) B...

Police have arrested another person in connection with the bomb threat case. On January 23, police had arrested Edward Maiong for issuing an SMS threatening to plant multiple bombs in the city. While the police are trying to establish if the duo is linked to any militant group, it has been ascertained that this was the first time Maiong had issued such a threat. Earlier, a person filed an FIR that he received an SMS from an unknown number threatening to plant multiple bombs in the city. The sender of the message had identified himself as a member of the “Ri-Bhoi gang”.Following this, police arrested Maiong from his temporary residence at Lower New Colony, Laitumkhrah.

BJP leader Mariahom Kharkrang on Tuesday strongly advocated the introduction of railways in the state at least for freight transport, arguing that it would be a more effective way to check infiltration while also boosting the economy.Kharkrang said railways provide better monitoring of passengers than roadways, as travellers are required to disembark at designated stations, making it easier to track and verify their identities. He made it clear that it was his personal opinion and not that of the party which is yet to discuss the issue.Kharkrang suggested that if concerns persist over passenger trains, Meghalaya should at least start with goods trains to tap into their economic benefits. He explained that rail connectivity would reduce transportation costs, enabling farmers to sell the...

Pynshngaiñ Kurbah has created history by securing Meghalaya’s first-ever National Games medal, winning bronze in the Canoe Men Slalom event at the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma took to social media to celebrate the achievement, hailing Kurbah’s performance as a landmark moment for the state. "Our heart swells with pride as Pynshngaiñ Kurbah paddled his way to 3rd place in Canoe Men Slalom, winning Meghalaya’s 1st medal in the 38th #NationalGames, Uttarakhand. Congratulations, Pynshgaiñ! We are so proud of you!" CM Sangma tweeted. The historic medal adds momentum to Meghalaya’s push to host the 2027 National Games. CM Sangma recently sought support from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, receiving positive indications for the state’s bid. The Indian O...

According to the Economic Survey 2024-25, Meghalaya's cement sector has elevated the state to one of India's leading manufacturers. Meghalaya's abundant limestone supplies are a major factor in the expansion of India's infrastructure. As per the survey, around 87 per cent of the cement industry is concentrated in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Meghalaya and West Bengal. Meghalaya, with its vast limestone reserves, plays a crucial role in cement production. Cement from the state supports key national projects, including highways, railways, and housing schemes, the survey added.