By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 18: Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president and former Member of Parliament, Vincent H Pala, met Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and formally submitted a letter urging the urgent upgrade of the DSSH Road to National Highway status.
The DSSH Road is a vital economic lifeline, carrying nearly 80% of coal from the Jaintia Hills and connecting mineral-rich areas such as Sutnga, Sumer, Saipung, and Nongkhlieh. Despite its importance in facilitating trade and generating substantial revenue for both the JHADC and the State, the road has long been neglected and remains in a severely dilapidated state.
In his letter, Pala recalled that although the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) had earlier approved the proposal for upgradation, the implementation has yet to begin. He also noted the State Government’s initiative to include the road under the World Bank scheme but stressed the need for immediate intervention in view of the worsening road conditions and the daily hardships faced by local communities.
The chief minister assured Pala that the state government would take the necessary steps to address the matter at the earliest.