Khliehriat: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday laid the foundation stones for four major road infrastructure projects worth around Rs 488 crore in East and West Jaintia Hills districts.
Three of the projects, worth approximately Rs 412 crore, were launched at Latyrke Playground in East Jaintia Hills district.
The projects include the upgradation of the Dkhiah-Sutnga-Saipung-Pala road up to Semmasi covering a total length of 58.1 km at a cost of Rs 355 crore under the World Bank-funded Meghalaya Logistics and Connectivity Improvement Project (MLCIP).
Another project involves the improvement and strengthening of the Dkhiah-Sutnga-Saipung-Moulsei-Haflong road covering 8.8 km at a cost of Rs 10.3 crore under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF).
The third project includes the approach road to Chympe Waterfalls from Siejrongheng along with the improvement of the Sutnga-Khaddum road covering 22.7 km at a cost of Rs 46.75 crore funded through the SIDBI Cluster Development Fund (SCDF).
At Lumshyrmit village, the chief minister also laid the foundation stone for the Shkemtalang (NH-206) to Lumshyrmit road project, including a major bridge over the Myntdu River connecting NH-6 at Kongong.
The 18.64-km project will be implemented under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) at a cost of Rs 76.43 crore.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, MLAs Santa Mary Shylla and Kyrmen Shylla, members of Waheh Shnong from Latyrke and Lumshyrmit, besides officials from the PWD (Roads & Buildings) and district administration, were present during the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Sangma said the projects would improve connectivity, boost economic activities and facilitate access to essential services such as healthcare and education.
He informed that tenders for the projects have already been floated and work is expected to begin within the next 45 days.
The chief minister said the projects are expected to bring long-term economic benefits to the region by improving tourism access and connectivity to several villages.
He also stressed the need for balanced development that protects local culture and ensures community participation in developmental activities.
At Lumshyrmit, Sangma said the road and bridge project would open up opportunities in tourism, agriculture and improve access to education and healthcare facilities for local residents.
The chief minister also announced support for the construction of an indoor stadium at Latyrke village following requests from residents.