Jaintia Students’ Union Warns Railway Against Jowai Surveys Without Legal Safeguards

Overview

• The students’ body cautioned the Northeast Frontier Railway that attempts to conduct surveys will face resistance unless protective laws are in place.
• Funds in the Union Budget 2024–25 cover final location surveys for the Jowai–Khliehriat–Chandranathpur line and the Chaparmukh–Jowai line.
• NFR sources indicated a preliminary survey for the Chaparmukh–Jowai route could start in 2026 if there is no renewed agitation.
• The union cited unresolved rehabilitation and compensation at Them Iew Mawlong as evidence of weak safeguards for affected families.
• The Meghalaya government has reiterated that rail projects will proceed only with public consensus, echoing a history of halted lines in the Khasi–Jaintia Hills.