Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for a 29 km road in Ri-Bhoi district.
While laying the foundation stone, the chief minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his concerted efforts to ensure development in the northeastern region.
The road from 9th Mile to Umsen village via Killing-Pillangkata is funded by the DoNER ministry under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS).
An estimated Rs 84 crore is being utilised for this project that will better the connectivity of several villages in Meghalaya.
Chief minister Conrad Sangma also thanked DoNER minister Jitendra Singh and deputy chief minister in charge of PWD Prestone Tynsong and the entire PWD for their dedication to ensure the project sanctioned by the central government.
“It was the dream that was seen by the Prime Minister and DoNER minister that different roads along the inter-state border area that remained neglected should be given attention,” the CM said.
“It is because of this vision and the leadership of the PM and DoNER Minister that today we are able to see such an ambitious project being sanctioned. This is truly a historic moment for the people of Jirang constituency,” he added.
The Meghalaya CM said, “The central government has accorded thrust for construction of roads and infrastructure in the region through NESIDS and we as the government in the state have identified projects for the Ministry that is aimed to change the overall development narratives.”
Highlighting the vision of the government, Conrad Sangma said, “Our government is focusing to enhance connectivity in the state because we believe that through proper connectivity, we can create a turn around and transform our economy.
“We want roads to reach to interior locations and connect them to the market,” the Meghalaya CM said.
He informed that the state has improved its performance in the construction of roads under PMGSY, which has enabled the release of more funds from the centre for the construction of roads.
“In the last financial year 1400 cr was sanctioned for Meghalaya, as the state was able to complete 800 km of roads in just three years,” the chief minister said.
“We are very upbeat and our department is working to ensure that we fulfil the target and connect our rural villages,” the CM added.
Among others present on the occasion included Jirang MLA S. Sohtun, Mawhati MLA D Lamare, Nongstoin MLA Macmillan Byrsat, NEC secretary K. Moses Chalai and PWD secretary PR Marwein.