Mawkyrwat, Aug 17: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the ₹140 crore upgradation of the 40-km Weiloi–Mawkyrwat–Rangthong road, calling it a vital link between East Khasi Hills and Southwest Khasi Hills.
The project will convert the existing single-lane stretch into an intermediate lane road. It covers Laitmawsiang–Mawthawpdah and Jakrem–Rangthong sections, connecting key villages and Mawkyrwat, the district headquarters.
Addressing thousands at the ceremony, the CM said the work will be completed “by or before Christmas next year” and is being funded entirely from state resources.
“This has been a long-standing demand of the people of South West Khasi Hills. Roads remain our top priority,” he said.
Deputy CM Prestone Tynsong said Phase-I of 40 km is targeted for completion in 2027. Phase-II, a 35 km stretch from Rangthong to Ranikor, will be proposed under World Bank funding.
The CM added that over 3,200 km of roads have been built across Meghalaya in the last 8 years, at an average of 1.1 km per day. Since 2018, around ₹850 crore has been sanctioned for nearly 150 projects in South West Khasi Hills alone.
The road is expected to improve connectivity to markets, schools and health centres for villages like Weiloi, Jakrem, Nonglang and Rangthong.
Deputy CM Prestone Tynsong, Minister Timothy D. Shira, MLAs Renikton Tongkhar, Celestine Lyngdoh, Pius Marwein, Ollan Shim and Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed were present.
