Meghalaya developing ‘Road Asset Management System in collaboration with World Bank

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 23, 2023

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced the launch of the ‘Chief Minister’s Rural Connectivity Scheme for connecting villages not covered under PMGSY in the State of Meghalaya.

“We will also build suspension and foot bridges across streams and rivers to improve connectivity for villages that face huge challenges during the rainy months,” said Sangma while presenting the budget on Thursday.

He also said despite these stupendous efforts, rural connectivity remains a challenge given the difficult terrain and climatic conditions.

Further, connectivity to many villages involves crossing streams and rivers, he added.

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In addition to the rural roads, Chief Minister informed several large roads projects costing over Rs 3,000 crore were initiated by the government in the last three years.

He highlighted Some of the project include the Dawki-Bholaganj road, the Balat-Shellaroad, the Mairang-Ranigodown-Azra road, the Demthring- Sohmynting-Moodymmai road, the Nartiang-Nongpoh road and the Rongram-Phulbari road.

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The Government will make every effort to complete all these critical roads and dedicate them to the people of the State in 2023-24, he asserted.

Sangma informed the works on restoration of the roads and bridges damaged during the floods of June 2022 is progressing well and they will complete these works costing Rs 188 crore in the next financial year.

The Chief Minister apprised that the government is developing an ‘Integrated Transport Network Development Plan’ and ‘Road Asset Management System’ in collaboration with the World Bank.

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Following these integrated approaches, Sangma said they will streamline the efforts at building new roads and maintaining the existing network.

He also informed that the Government is allocating Rs 2,226 crore for the roads sector for 2023-24.