By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 18: Nongpoh MLA and UDP leader Mayralborn Syiem on Friday conducted a detailed review of key road projects in his constituency, including the Nongpoh-Umden-Sonapur road, expressing satisfaction with the progress of the first phase while pushing for the timely implementation of the second.
He also confirmed that surveys have been completed for several unconnected villages under Umling C&RD Block, which are now proposed for inclusion under the upcoming PMGSY-IV scheme.
The Nongpoh MLA then revealed that the Nongpoh-Umden-Sonapur road is being developed in two phases. The first 20-km segment is funded through a state scheme, while the second phase falls under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). According to him, the first segment is progressing well, with nearly 100% of the hard surface work complete.
Retaining walls and cross drains have been executed up to 60-70%, and though metalling and blacktopping are yet to begin, the overall progress currently stands at 40-50%. He added that he is pleased with the quality and pace of the work.
As for the project timeline, Syiem said that despite the official work order prescribing a 24-month completion period, the contractor for the first phase has committed to completing it within one year. The second phase, for which the work order was issued in May this year, has just begun. However, the contractor has expressed confidence in finishing it within one and a half to two years.
During the review, Syiem also followed up on the survey work carried out for roads proposed under PMGSY-IV.
He informed that instructions had been issued two months ago to survey several road links to unconnected villages, and he is satisfied with the department’s response. Most surveys have been completed, except for a few, and the submission to the OMAS portal, required for PMGSY-IV implementation, is expected before the July deadline.
Among the roads surveyed are stretches connecting Umdohkha to Syntumaw and Kbet to Umdohkha, as well as the internal road from NUS to Tomenopanglong. Surveys have also been completed for roads between Umryngksal and Nongkhrah, Umshaken to Umjari, and Umrang Rongku to Umrang, Umjaren and Rongtheluh.
Additional proposed links include MU Road to Mawpdang, NUS to Ronghilik, Umphing to Umsawnongbri, Umshit to Himpala, Umling to Umsarang and Rongsong to Umprydong.
Also surveyed are roads connecting Korstep to Umjong, Rongbeta to Umsiang, Umrang to Injal A and Rongbeta, as well as Umskun to Sohkpu and Mawiang. Other routes include the Mawlong-Umtrai-Mawphru road, Pahamayiem to Umahangling, Mawryngkang to Nongtyrlaw, Umjarasi to Umtham, Kroh to Umsiang, and Umtyrlen to Umsawnongbri, Umshit to Sohkhar, MU Road to Mawkila and Umshakait to Purduwa.
The MLA expressed optimism that all parameters required by the State and National Rural Roads Development Agencies (SSRDA and NRDA) will be met and that the proposals will be approved for funding and execution.
“We are trying to position ourselves to have all-weather roads and good road conditions for the benefit of the people at large,” Syiem said, reiterating his commitment to strengthening infrastructure for both connectivity and community development.