Shillong: The upcoming high-speed corridor project is set to revolutionize connectivity in eastern Meghalaya, promising to end years of traffic woes and long travel hours. Former Cabinet Minister and current Khliehriat UDP legislator Kyrmen Shylla on Monday described the project as a “blessing” not just for East Jaintia Hills, but for the entire nation.

​“Having this high-speed corridor passing through East Jaintia Hills is a blessing for my people. Wherever this project crosses, it brings a blessing to those areas,” Shylla told reporters.

​Ending Traffic Congestion

​The legislator pointed out that the current road infrastructure is inadequate for the increasing volume of traffic. The existing highway, often described as narrow and prone to bottlenecks, has long been a point of frustration for commuters traveling between Shillong and the Jaintia Hills region.

​“The existing road is quite small and narrow. This new corridor will significantly reduce traffic congestion. For travelers, the journey will become very easy and very fast,” Shylla noted, adding that the project will bring a “lot of change” to the socio-economic landscape of the district.

​Fair Compensation for Land Owners

​Addressing potential concerns regarding land acquisition, the Khliehriat MLA assured residents that the government is committed to protecting the rights of landowners.

​“When it comes to compensation for land, that is the commitment of the department and the government—the rights of the people should not be taken. They have to get each and every penny which belongs to them,” he asserted.

​Proactive Administration

​Shylla credited the district administration for the smooth progress of the preliminary work. He praised the Deputy Commissioners across the affected regions for their proactive approach in handling the project’s requirements.

​“We have a Deputy Commissioner who is very active. I believe the process will be conducted in a proper way, and things will speed up to ensure timely completion,” he added.