Mawkyrwat, Aug 17: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday laid the foundation stone for the ₹140-crore upgradation of the Weiloi–Mawkyrwat–Rangthong road in South West Khasi Hills, describing the project as a “growth corridor” that will boost tourism, agriculture, trade and access to essential services.
The project, funded entirely from the state’s own resources, is part of the government’s effort to improve connectivity in remote districts and promote balanced regional development.
Addressing a gathering at Mawkyrwat, Sangma said investment in roads was ultimately an investment in people, as improved connectivity would help residents access healthcare, education and markets more easily.
“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,” he said.
The Chief Minister said more than ₹850 crore worth of projects had been implemented in South West Khasi Hills since 2018, with the cumulative commitment now nearing ₹990 crore. These include road, drinking water, education, healthcare and tourism projects.
He also said more than 3,200 km of roads had been constructed across Meghalaya over the past eight years, averaging nearly one kilometre a day.
Sangma said the upgraded road would reduce travel time and transportation costs while opening up new opportunities for tourism and strengthening market access for farmers and local entrepreneurs.
“Meghalaya is beyond Shillong. Our responsibility is to ensure that every district, every village, receives equal attention and opportunity,” he said.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira and MLAs Renikton Lyngdoh, Piyush Marwein, Olan Singh Suin and Dr Celestine Lyngdoh attended the programme.
