Shillong, Aug 17 (IANS) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday laid the foundation stone for the Rs 140‑crore upgradation of the Weiloi‑Mawkyrwat‑Rangthong road in South West Khasi Hills, calling it a key growth corridor with the potential to accelerate tourism, agriculture, trade and access to essential services.
Financed entirely through the state government’s own resources, the project aims to strengthen connectivity in one of Meghalaya’s remote districts and support balanced regional development.
Addressing a gathering at Mawkyrwat, Sangma said improved road infrastructure was not merely about physical connectivity but also about creating better opportunities and improving quality of life.
He noted that better roads would enable residents to access healthcare, education and markets more easily, while reducing travel time and costs.
“Our vision has always been clear – no area, no district should be left behind. Development must begin from the most remote corners and reach every village,” the Chief Minister said.
Sangma highlighted that projects worth more than Rs 850 crore have been implemented in South West Khasi Hills since 2018, with cumulative commitments now reaching nearly Rs 990 crore, covering roads, drinking water, education, healthcare and tourism.
He said more than 3,200 km of roads had been constructed across Meghalaya in the past eight years, averaging nearly one kilometre per day.
The upgraded Weiloi‑Mawkyrwat‑Rangthong road, he added, would strengthen connectivity between communities and provide a major boost to local economic activity.
The improved road network is expected to facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, strengthen market access, and create new opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, and tourism‑related businesses.
“Meghalaya is beyond Shillong. Our responsibility is to ensure that every district, every village, receives equal attention and opportunity,” Sangma said.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira and MLAs Renikton Lyngdoh, Piyush Marwein, Olan Singh Suin and Celestine Lyngdoh were present at the programme.
–IANS
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