By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 8: For years, the 9-km stretch leading to Majai was a nightmare for commuters and traders—riddled with potholes, landslides and long traffic snarls that made even short trips take hours.
However, this stretch of road was converted under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), significantly improving its condition and dramatically easing travel while giving a major boost to cross-border trade with Bangladesh.
But despite the progress, residents fear that unchecked overloading by trucks could once again damage the road they waited decades to see improved.
They advocate for the need for strict enforcement of weight limits to protect the road from premature deterioration.
Constructed at a cost of over Rs 14 crore under the supervision of the PWD (Roads), Sohra Division, the PMGSY road now connects Pynthaumdan to Lailad, ending near the Majai Land Customs Station—a major export point for boulders and stone chips bound for Bangladesh.
Locals say the difference is remarkable. What once took more than an hour on a damaged road is now a smooth and quick drive, allowing heavy trucks to move without the frequent breakdowns or blockages that were previously common. Truckers have also expressed relief that they can now make more trips in a day.
The improved road has resulted in a surge of export activity. According to sources, between 450 and 500 trucks now cross into Bangladesh daily through the Majai route, reflecting the rising demand for construction materials from India.
However, the newly paved road ends at Lailad. Beyond this point, the stretch, which is maintained by Hima Sohra, remains in poor condition, slowing down vehicles heading toward the export point. Residents and traders have urged authorities to upgrade this portion as well to ensure seamless movement.
Villagers acknowledge that economic growth in Majai largely depends on the stone trade. Improved transport has increased income opportunities for shopkeepers, labourers and small traders in the area. They also hope the long-closed border haat, shut due to unrest in Bangladesh, will reopen soon to further boost local livelihoods.
Residents additionally appealed to the state government to repair the Sohbar-Lailad road, which remains a major bottleneck for trucks coming from the Sohbar side. Without timely maintenance, they fear congestion and safety risks will continue.
The residents have, meanwhile, extended their gratitude to the state government, local representatives and the PWD for completing a project they had waited many years to see.
“The road has changed our daily lives and our economy. We only hope it is properly maintained so that we don’t return to the hardships of the past,” a resident said.
