By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 20: South Shillong MLA Sanbor Shullai on Saturday inaugurated a newly constructed feeder road and laid the foundation stone for another major road project in his constituency, with the combined cost of the projects nearing Rs 3 crore.
Shullai inaugurated the feeder road at Kynjat Phutbol, stretching from the PWD junction near the residence of Ester Bareh and connecting the existing Madanrit PWD Road up to Umkynrut LP School at Riat Laban, Kynjat Phutbol (Phase-I).
The road was constructed at a cost of Rs 95.03 lakh and was sanctioned under the SPA–PWD Scheme for 2025-26.
Following the inauguration, the MLA laid the foundation stone for the construction and widening of another PWD road at Upper Kench’s Trace.
The project includes widening of the existing road, construction of an aqueduct and drainage system and blacktopping work from opposite Madan Laban Nepali School down via the Seng Khasi Raid Laban Cultural Centre up to the residence of Bobby Laloo and others. The project has been sanctioned at a cost of Rs 1.85 crore under the SPA–PWD Scheme 2025-26.
Addressing the gathering at Kynjat Phutbol, Shullai said the road was a long-cherished dream of the residents, as it would finally provide motorable access and ease daily hardships. He recalled that the road passes through the house of Elma Sohtun and extends up to the foothills of Shillong Peak, with Umkynrut being the nearest habitation in the area.
He noted that residents earlier had to bear heavy expenses while constructing their houses, as materials had to be carried manually over nearly two kilometres up the Shillong foothills.
With the completion of the road, Shullai said that land prices in the area have also risen sharply—from about Rs 100 per square foot earlier to nearly Rs 2,000 per square foot at present—owing to improved connectivity.
Shullai said securing sanctions for road projects was not easy and required sustained efforts, including pursuing the matter at the chief ministerial level.
He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of PWD Prestone Tynsong, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of Urban Affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar and other cabinet colleagues for their support in getting the projects sanctioned.
Referring to past instances of public protests for road repairs in other areas, Shullai said that as the elected representative of South Shillong, he has taken proactive steps to ensure road connectivity reaches residents right up to their doorsteps.
Later, while speaking at Upper Kench’s Trace, the MLA said that the existing road there is extremely narrow and congested, with some stretches measuring barely nine feet in width, making vehicular movement difficult.
He said a detailed project report (DPR) with an estimated cost of Rs 1.83 crore was prepared, following which the project was finally sanctioned.
The road, once completed, will benefit not only residents of Upper Kench’s Trace but the entire Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun.
“It will be widened to 18-20 feet, include proper drainage, and provide parking facilities. The road will also extend up to the main gate of the Army area falling under Kench’s Trace,” Shullai said.
PWD Executive Engineer S. Lytep, Deputy Executive Engineer Happy Pakyntien, Rangbah Shnong of Lumshatsngi Kench’s Trace Wallambok Lyngdoh, other officials, members of the Dorbar Shnong and local residents were also present during the programme.
