In a bid to improve the road condition and to provide better connectivity for the people residing under Sohra Sub-Division, Shri. Prestone Tynsong, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya i/c PWD (Roads), laid the foundation stone for the improvement of Riding Quality and Sealing of Distressed Pavement of the Shillong Sohra Road from 22nd Km to 53rd Km under the Systematic Maintenance Programme at Mawkdok on the 3rd of March 2021, in the presence of Shri. Gavin M. Mylliem, Hon’ble MLA Sohra, Shri. Balajied K. Synrem, Hon’ble MLA Shella, Shri. T. G. Nengnong, Secretary, PWD (Roads and Building), Shri. A. S. Mukhim, SDO (Civil), Sohra Civil Sub-Division, Shri. L. D. Suchiang, Chief Engineer, PWD (Roads), Shri. Freeman Syiem, Syiem of Hima Sohra, Officials from the Department of PWD and a host of other dignitaries.
The Scheme, “Improvement of Riding Quality and Sealing of Distressed Pavement of Shillong – Sohra
Road from 22nd Km to 53rd Km” was included in the Budget 2020-2021 of the Government of Meghalaya
under the ‘Systematic Maintenance Programme (SMP)’ implemented by the Department of PWD for the repairing and improvement of Roads. The total budget sanctioned for the above project starting from Umtyngngar upto Sohra is Rs.12 crores. The Scheme would include blacktopping of the road from Umtyngar to Mawsmai through Semi Dense Bituminous Macadam (SDBC).
The Road from Umtyngar to Sohra was last repaired under the Special Plan Assistance (SPA) Scheme in the
year 2013. Since then, no more repairs were made on the road and over time, the road has deteriorated
and at various parts and stretches of the road, rots and cracks have developed due to overdue surface
renewal.
Speaking as the Chief Guest on the occasion, Shri. Prestone Tynsong expressed his happiness in being able to lay the foundation stone for the project at Mawkdok, as he says it is appropriate for it being one of the most renowned tourist spots of Meghalaya. He said that the government is committed to bring about an overall change, not only in the major towns of the state but is working tirelessly to bring about an all round development concentrating in the rural areas particularly focusing on the road sector. He stated that roads and infrastructures are the basis of any economic development and progress. He highlighted that the Umtyngngar Sohra road is one of the most important roads in the state as it connects countless number of villages in the region stretching right up to Shella and all the way down to the border of Bangladesh. He further stated that the road also holds significance as Sohra is an important tourist destination and hundreds of vehicles ferrying Tourists travel on this important stretch, which in turn provides gainful employment to the people residing in these areas. Therefore, he says, the government is prioritizing the repair and improvement of the road from Shillong to Sohra. Furthermore, he informed that the Government is planning to further develop the road connectivity upto Shella which will allow tourists to visit areas beyond Sohra like Wahrew and Shella. He informed that the Government has sent a proposal to the Centre to consider converting the Umtyngar Bholaganj road to a National Highway and he says the Centre is studying the proposal. The areas under Sohra Civil Sub-Division is also rich in limestone, fruits and various agricultural products like Bay leaves, Broomstick, pepper and others, and the road facilitates the transportation and export of these goods to the markets within and outside the state.
Others who spoke on the occasion were Shri. Gavin M. Mylliem, Hon’ble MLA Sohra, Shri. Balajied K. Synrem, Hon’ble MLA Shella, Shri. T. G. Nengnong, Secretary, PWD (Roads and Building), Shri. L. D. Suchiang, Chief Engineer, PWD (Roads) and Shri. Freeman Syiem, Syiem of Hima Sohra.