Sohra(Meghalaya ), Jan 22 : CM Conrad K. Sangma on Friday inaugurated the the longest Road Arch Bridge in India — 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, having a span of 169.35 meters, 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 included the construction of a 6.125 Kms 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 which can 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.
CM Conrad Sangma, while fondly remembering the (L) Dr. Donkupar Roy the former Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, informed the gathering that the project was envisioned by the Late MLA of Shella Constituency and that it was due to his intervention that the project was completed.
He said that roads and infrastructures are the basis of any economic development and progress as can be seen in any part of the world. He emphasized that with road infrastructure, other economic and social development projects progresses automatically.
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 and others.
He further informed that there are over 500 roads under PMGSY which are currently being implemented. “Today, the completion of this bridge is a milestone and another example of the kind of commitment this Government has.” he stated. “After coming here today, I realized that the potential for tourism in this area is immense.” He informed that the Government has recently received an externally aided project from the New Development Bank for the development of infrastructure in Tourism.
He assured the people of the area and constituency that the government will take up projects to develop tourism in the area so that in the future, avenues can come up for the people of the region. He concluded his speech by dedicating the inauguration of the Bridge and the project as a whole to (L) Dr. Donkupar Roy and the people of the region.
Deputy Chief Minister 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 1st week of February 2021.
Others who spoke on the occasion included Metbah Lyngdoh, Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Balajied K Synrem, MLA Shella Constituency, Teinwell Dkhar, MDC, Shella Constituency, T. G. Nengnong, Secretary, PWD (R&B), L. D. Suchiang, Chief Engineer, P.W.D. (Roads) and Sirdars of Raid Sohbar and Raid Nongjri.
