Shillong, Jan 22: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday inaugurated the Wahrew Single Arch Bridge having a span of 169.35 metre over the River Wahrew linking Bholaganj and Sohbar with Nongjri.
The Wahrew Bridge, was constructed by M/S P&R Infra Project Ltd, Chandigarh under the Non Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) Scheme.
This project which was completed on December 2018 at an updated cost of Rs.4939.50 lakhs also included the construction of a 6.125 km road connecting the western part of East Khasi Hills with the eastern part up to Pynursla and Dawki along the Bangladesh border.
The road along with the Wahrew Bridge is one of the recent engineering feats of the State of Meghalaya and it has become a valuable asset of the State, which has boost up the economic activities of the border area and the State in general as it connects the border villages with the Bholaganj Land Customs Station.
This Bridge will also act as a tourist attraction and will boost the tourism industry of the State thereby providing livelihood to the people of the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Sangma, while fondly remembering the (L) Dr. Donkupar Roy and former Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, informed the gathering that the project was envisioned by the then MLA of Shella Constituency and that it was due to his intervention that the project was completed.
He highlighted that road connectivity is an important aspect of the MDA Government’s policy and development plans as can be reflected in the amount of budgetary provisions and expenditures being made in road connectivity.
“This can be seen through road constructions under National Highways, PMGSY, RIDF, ” the Chief Minister said.
He further informed that there are over 500 roads under PMGSY which are currently being implemented in the State.
Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong stated that the Sohbar Tharia Road under PMGSY will be completed within this year.
To further improve the connectivity of the these areas, he also informed that there has been an additional sanction for the Border Road connecting Dawki – Lyngkhat and Tharia for which the work order will be given in the coming month. This will increase the overall economy and development of the area.
The Mawmluh-Mawshamok Road has also been sanctioned and he informed that he has already instructed the Department of PWD to ensure that the work starts by the first week of February 2021.