SHILLONG, Aug 6: Pressing for urgent action on a long-pending infrastructure need, Mawkyrwat MLA Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar and Ranikor MLA Pius Marwein have called on Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma to expedite the sanctioning of the Weiloi-Mawkyrwat-Khatphra (Ranikor) road project.
Accompanied by Kitborlang Nongrem, Chairman of Sur Paidbah, South West Khasi Hills district, the legislators urged the government to begin construction of a Standard Intermediate Lane along the vital stretch.
In a petition submitted to the chief minister on Wednesday, the MLAs reiterated the strategic and economic importance of the project, which had earlier been proposed through a letter to the deputy chief minister in charge of PWD (Roads) on July 2, 2024.
Following the meeting, Tongkhar informed the media persons that the chief minister had assured them of positive action. “We are happy to inform you that under the leadership of Bah Kitborlang Nongrem and as MLAs of the district, we have received good news from the Hon’ble Chief Minister. The road proposal has been prioritised and will be taken up under the World Bank-funded programme. This is a big step forward for the people of South West Khasi Hills,” he said.
Tongkhar stated that the first phase of construction would cover the 50-kilometre stretch from Weiloi to Keniong and is expected to significantly benefit the entire district. “Compared to previous years, the road from Ladmawreng to Weiloi has improved. Now, with this project, we will get a high-standard intermediate lane from Weiloi to Mawkyrwat up to Keniong,” he added.
The MLA also raised proposals for three more key road projects to boost inter-district connectivity: Rangdkhew to Marngor, Jashiar-Shngimawlein-Sohma-Rangeiksheh to Kynshi, and Pyndendiwah-Laitnongrim-Pihnongbah to Shyrwang. “These roads are essential for connecting West Khasi Hills, Eastern West Khasi Hills, and South West Khasi Hills, and will be particularly helpful for farmers transporting their produce,” he said.
On the question of funding, Tongkhar stated that while the detailed estimate is still under preparation, the projected cost for the Weiloi-Keniong stretch is around Rs 200 crore. “The figure may change slightly, but that’s the ballpark,” he added.
When asked how many areas would benefit from the new road, Tongkhar said, “This 50-kilometre stretch will serve the entire district. Although the road up to Weiloi has seen improvement, the segment between Weiloi and Mawkyrwat, the district headquarters, remains in poor shape. This project will be a game-changer.”
Meanwhile, an optimistic Ranikor MLA said, “We are very happy with the Chief Minister’s assurance. He confirmed that the Weiloi–Mawkyrwat–Keniong stretch will be taken up in the first phase. The second phase will extend to Ranikor and eventually reach Baghmara, linking South West Khasi Hills with South Garo Hills.”
