SHILLONG, Dec 9: The National Highway Demand Committee South West Khasi Hills District (NHDCSWKHD) has urged Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong to restore the original proposal to construct the Mawngap–Ranikor road as a double-lane highway, amid concerns over reported plans to downgrade it to an intermediate lane.

In a letter submitted on Tuesday, Committee Chairman Kynpham V Kharlyngdoh expressed disappointment over indications that the project’s specifications may be reduced, warning such a decision would negatively impact the region’s economic and developmental prospects.

“We are deeply concerned that such a decision, if finalized, will severely undermine the long-term developmental prospects of our region,” Kharlyngdoh wrote.

The committee underscored the strategic importance of the road, which spans Mawngap (old NH44E), Mawphlang, Laitmawsiang, Mawkyrwat, Rangthong, Nongnah, Dirang, and Khadphra (Ranikor), connecting nearly 1,000 villages across East Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, and West Khasi Hills districts. It serves as a crucial economic corridor enabling the movement of agricultural produce, improving access to healthcare and education, and strengthening mobility across remote areas.

Calling for fairness and transparency, the committee asserted that public infrastructure decisions should be taken without bias and with long-term interests in mind.

“We are not against any initiative by the state government for better road connection, but we are firm in our demand that the National Highway is needed at the earliest,” the statement read.

The committee requested the Deputy Chief Minister to ensure restoration of the double-lane plan, facilitate cooperation between the state government, NHIDCL, and the Centre, and safeguard the project from any dilution of its original scope and purpose.