SHILLONG, Aug 28: Legislators from various political parties questioned the Meghalaya government on Wednesday regarding the condition of roads crucial for rural connectivity and economic development, particularly under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). The discussion, which took place in the Assembly, highlighted concerns over the pace and scope of road construction projects in the state.
UDP MLA Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar raised the issue by inquiring about the status of a proposed road from Photjaud, Tynnai to Mawbidong in Mawkyrwat block of South West Khasi Hills. In response, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who also holds the portfolio of PWD (Roads), informed the House that the proposal is part of the PMGSY-III phase.
Tynsong revealed that the central government has assigned Meghalaya the task of constructing over 1,250 km of roads under PMGSY Phase-III. He further elaborated that the first phase of PMGSY-III includes 400 km of road construction, which has already been approved, while the state is awaiting approval for the second phase, covering 600 km, based on the Detailed Project Report (DPR) submitted.
Expressing concern over potential delays, Tongkhar warned of possible public protests if the road project does not receive timely approval.
Tynsong assured that the project is a priority and is only pending fund approval from the Central Ministry.
During the session, TMC leader Mukul Sangma raised a supplementary question regarding the criteria for road eligibility under PMGSY. He suggested that the government consider allocating a portion of funds to roads in the rural western regions of the state, which often miss out due to not meeting the eligibility criteria.
In response, Tynsong highlighted that the Ministry of Rural Development has relaxed the PMGSY-III guidelines for Meghalaya, following requests from the state government, led by him and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma. He emphasised that priority projects are now included under PMGSY-III, with a goal to complete 1,250 kilometers of roads within the 2024-2025 financial year.
UDP president and Mairang MLA, Metbah Lyngdoh, also participated in the discussion, asking about the number of roads included in the list.
Tynsong admitted that he did not have the exact list on hand but confirmed that 400 km under Phase 1 has been sanctioned, with the tendering process completed and work already under way. Additionally, the DPR for another 600 km under Phase 2 has been submitted, bringing the total to 1,000 km of road projects in the pipeline.
