Conrad calls for strategic importance to Ranikor-Ratacherra road
Shillong, June 21: The celebration of International Yoga Day by armed forces personnel in Shillong had with them Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh joining a mass yoga session along with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma at the Eastern Air Command on Sunday.
Following the session, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for spearheading the global celebration of yoga and thanked the Defence Minister for attending the programme in Shillong.
Highlighting the benefits of yoga, the Chief Minister described it as an effective practice for improving physical fitness, flexibility and overall well-being. Sangma encouraged people, especially the youth, to make yoga a part of their daily routine.
The Chief Minister and the Defence Minister later discussed several key infrastructure projects requiring cooperation from the armed forces and the Ministry of Defence.
The major issues discussed by the two leaders include the proposed expansion of Shillong Airport and the four-lane road project connecting Shillong city to Barik Point.
Sangma said the Ministry of Defence has extended its support to both initiatives.
A key focus of the discussion was the proposed road link between Ranikor and Ratacherra along the India-Bangladesh border.
The Chief Minister urged the Defence Minister to declare the stretch a strategic road, citing its importance for both national security and regional development.
Sangma said connectivity from Ranikor to Dalu has already been established in phases, linking the route to NH-217 and NH-127B and further through the Phulbari-Dhubri bridge corridor towards Silchar. However, the Ratacherra-Ranikor stretch remains undeveloped.
He stressed that completing the missing link would strengthen border connectivity, improve movement of people and goods, and serve strategic defence interests in the region.
According to the Chief Minister, Rajnath Singh responded positively to the proposal and assured that the matter would receive due consideration.
Sangma also noted that the issue had earlier been discussed with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, who had underscored the importance of Defence Ministry support for the project.
If approved, the proposed strategic road is expected to enhance connectivity along Meghalaya’s international border and emerge as a key defence and economic corridor for the Northeast.
