Photo Courtesy: nenews
Shillong: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma laid the foundation stone for the Weiloi-Mawkyrwat-Rangthong road on Monday. This project costs Rs 140 crore. State resources will fully fund the construction. Officials hope to speed up trade and travel in South West Khasi Hills. The road aims to bridge gaps between remote villages and major economic hubs.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong joined Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira at the event. MLAs Renikton Lyngdoh, Piyush Marwein, Olan Singh Suin, and Dr. Celestine Lyngdoh also attended. Sangma noted that this is more than simple asphalt work. He told the crowd, "Every rupee we put into connectivity is not spent on tar and stone. It is invested in people: in how easily a mother can reach a hospital, how regularly a child can reach school, and how confidently a farmer can access markets."
The government plans to fix historical infrastructure deficits in areas like South West Khasi Hills, South Garo Hills, and East Jaintia Hills. Records show the state has pumped nearly Rs 990 crore into South West Khasi Hills since 2018. Over Rs 850 crore of that total went toward active projects. These investments cover water schemes, schools, and hospitals.
Meghalaya has finished 3,200 km of new roads over the past eight years. Sangma called the new route a growth corridor. He said it will lower transportation costs and travel times. Local farmers and entrepreneurs stand to benefit from the direct access to wider markets. The Chief Minister also vowed to finish what his administration starts. He stated that the government measures success by completed work rather than promises.
Updated at 17th August 2026 at 10:00pm
The upgrade shifts the current single-lane route to an intermediate-lane standard. The 40-km project covers two specific stretches, including 22.56 km between Laitmawsiang and Mawthawpdah and 17.44 km from Jakrem to Ranikor via Rangthong. The route kicks off at Weiloi near the 23rd km mark of the Mawphlang-Balat road.
Government officials expect the work to finish within 12 to 15 months, targeting completion by or before Christmas next year. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong noted the 40-km stretch should be wrapped up in 2027. Plans are already in the works to seek World Bank funding for a second phase, which would cover an additional 35-km stretch from Rangthong to Ranikor.
The project serves a string of villages spanning East and South West Khasi Hills, including Mawteibah, Laitmawsiang, Pongkung, Umjarain, Jakrem, Nonglang, and Mawmerang. The road gained priority following the reorganization of local blocks and the move to make Mawkyrwat the permanent district headquarters.
Comments