Meghalaya Seeks Defence Ministry's Assistance for Key Border Road Project
Strategic Road Development Along Indo-Bangla Border
A file image of Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma with Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
SHILLONG, June 22: The Meghalaya government has reached out to the Defence Ministry for assistance in constructing the crucial Ranikor-Ratacherra road, which runs along the Indo-Bangladesh border.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma emphasized the road's strategic significance, highlighting its potential to enhance the state's economy and improve connectivity between Dhubri in Assam and Barak Valley, thereby reducing travel time.
Ranikor is located on the Bangladesh border in the South West Khasi Hills district, while Ratacherra is positioned similarly in East Jaintia Hills, near Assam's Barak Valley.
Sangma envisions that this road will facilitate seamless travel from Phulbari in the western part of the state to its eastern extremity, following the 443-km stretch of the international border shared with Bangladesh.
Additionally, the completion of the Dhubri-Phulbari bridge will enhance connectivity between Phulbari in West Garo Hills and Assam. Ongoing road projects aim to link Phulbari with Dalu and Ranikor more effectively.
"Various phases of road connectivity projects from Ranikor to Dalu are currently in progress. Dalu will connect to NH217, which in turn links to NH127B, leading to the Phulbari-Dhubri bridge," Sangma explained.
The Chief Minister noted that the Union Defence Minister responded positively to the proposal and encouraged him to follow up later. Sangma also discussed additional infrastructure initiatives with Singh, given the Defence Estate's significant holdings in the state capital.