JIJIKAPARA, West Garo Hills: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday inaugurated two key infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening connectivity in the Garo Hills region — the Sonagre–Jijikapara Road Bridge No. 5/7 over the Bugi River and the widening of the Kujikura–Dimapara Road to a double lane.
Addressing the gathering at Jijikapara village, the Chief Minister described the bridge as a long-awaited and essential infrastructure for the people, who had endured years of hardship due to poor connectivity.
“This bridge was not just important, it was essential for the people here who have struggled for years to remain connected,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s sustained focus on infrastructure, Sangma noted that significant investments have been made over the past eight years to improve road networks and connectivity across Meghalaya, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
“Our approach has been inclusive and equitable, ensuring that development reaches every corner of the State,” he added, while also underscoring the role of collaboration with the Government of India and partner agencies in executing major infrastructure projects.
The Sonagre–Jijikapara Road originates from NH-62 at Dimapara and connects to Megua Songmong (Rugapara), covering a stretch of 5.30 km. The bridge over the Bugi River, spanning 90 metres, was sanctioned during 2022–23 under the World Bank-funded CERC component of the Meghalaya Integrated Transport Project (MITP) at a cost of ₹1,499.95 lakh and executed by M/s MIDAS Construction.
Strategically located under the Dalu C&RD Block, the bridge links West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills, effectively closing a crucial connectivity gap between Jijikapara and Megua Songmong under Chokpot Block. The project is expected to benefit several villages, including Sonagre, Chandapara, Jijikapara, Abeagre, Awalgre, and A.simgre in West Garo Hills, as well as Megua Songmong, Megua A.bagre, Ruga Doldoma, Ruga Songmong, Chokpot, and Dimapara in South Garo Hills, covering an estimated population of 6,181.
In addition, the Chief Minister inaugurated the widening of the Kujikura–Dimapara Road, a 4.00 km stretch being upgraded to a double lane. The project, sanctioned under the State Plan for 2025–26 at a cost of ₹2,374.48 lakh, is being executed by M/s JS & Company.
The road serves as a vital link between NH-51 and NH-62, significantly enhancing inter-highway connectivity. It is expected to benefit key villages such as Kujikura, Dalu Dapgre, Upper and Lower Bamanpara, and Dimapara, with a combined population of approximately 2,607.
The programme concluded with the formal inauguration of the road widening works, marking another step in the state’s ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and connectivity across Meghalaya.
