SHILLONG: Almost five years after his creation, South West Khasi Hills District continues to suffer in terms of connectivity, thanks to the dilapidated roads which put the lives of the thousands of people in the area at grave risk on a daily basis.
The worst sufferers seem to be those travelling to Ranikor and adjoining areas. A visit to the area reveals a sorry picture of the road connectivity which is far from satisfactory.
During a visit by this scribe, it was found that the road connecting to Ranikor right from Mawsynram was in a dismal condition to say the least. The narrow roads, full of pot holes and with gorge on both sides in certain stretches, are a driver’s and commuters’ worst nightmare.
The poor road condition in the area deters tourists from visiting Ranikor though the area has huge tourism potential.
Speaking on the matter, Minister in charge, PWD (Roads) and local MLA MM Danggo while expressing concern over the road condition said that the State Government through the Ministry of Surface Transport and Highways has proposed to develop the Mawphlang-Laitmusiang-Mawkyrwat-Rangthong-Nongnah-Dirang-Khadphra (Ranikor) road as a National Highway.
The proposal has been approved in principle for declaration as a National Highway.
However, the suffering of the people of Ranikor does not end here as the road connectivity in Ranikor is almost nil.
A visit from Ranikor to Maheshkhola revealed that the road condition till Nongjri is fairly good but the problem starts from Nongjri.
The single lane road with deep gorges on several stretches is not blacktopped.
The situation becomes even more challenging during rains when even luxury vehicles are found to be skidding on the road.
However, Danggo informed that the stretch would be shortly converted into a two lane road as the Union Government has sanctioned improvement of the Ranikor-Maheshkhola-Mahadeo-Rongra-Baghmara Road at a cost of Rs 668 crore.
“We are waiting for the land acquisition and environmental clearance after which the road would be converted into double lane,” he said.
The condition of the border road from Ranikor is in a shambles and driving a vehicle on the road is a nightmare since vehicles can be stranded easily due to the poor road condition.
