Shillong, December 29: Lone Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament from Meghalaya, Dr. W.R. Kharlukhi, on Saturday inaugurated the Caroline Colony stairway at Jowai, the district headquarters of West Jaintia Hills.
The staircase, constructed at a cost of ₹10 lakh under the Member of Parliament’s Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) for 2023–2024, measures 230 metres in length, is 5 feet wide, and consists of 543 steps. The infrastructure is expected to significantly improve pedestrian movement and connectivity for residents of the area.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Kharlukhi underscored the importance of community ownership of public infrastructure. He stated, “The residents of Caroline Colony do not need to thank me, as it is my duty to serve the people who have shown faith in me and contributed to my growth as a representative.”
Waheh Shnong of Caroline Colony, Embhahlang Lyngdoh, expressed gratitude to Dr. Kharlukhi for fulfilling a long-pending demand of the locality. He said the stairway would greatly enhance safety and convenience for residents, particularly pedestrians.
MS Lhuid, Advisor of Caroline Colony, highlighted the need for proper planning and efficient resource utilisation to ensure the durability and long-term sustainability of the infrastructure. He added that the stairway would not only benefit local residents but also improve access for visitors, thereby addressing a critical infrastructure gap in the community.
