SHILLONG: Tourism Minister and Resubelpara MLA Timothy D. Shira has said the state government is shifting its focus from launching new road projects to upgrading and widening existing roads to ensure long-term durability and better connectivity across the constituency.
Speaking on development priorities, Shira said he will soon meet Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma to seek approval for improvements to six to seven key roads in Resubelpara. These roads, he noted, play a crucial role in connecting interior villages with town areas and major highways.
“Our aim is to ensure that every road in the constituency is in good condition by next year. Since most interior villages are already connected, the focus now is on improving quality and longevity,” Shira said. He added that major upgrades to interior roads are targeted for completion by 2028.
Highlighting national highway developments, the Minister said the upgradation and widening of National Highway-127B, particularly the Songsak–Mendipathar stretch, is underway at an estimated cost of ₹145 crore with World Bank assistance.
Once completed, NH-127B will serve as a key north-south corridor, strengthening connectivity between Meghalaya and Assam while also providing a strategic supply route to neighbouring states such as Tripura and Mizoram.
Shira also pointed out that the Dudhnoi–Resubelpara road has already seen significant improvement, offering smoother and more direct access to National Highway-51.
Looking ahead, the Minister expressed optimism that the proposed Dudhnoi–Rongjeng–Baghmara–Dalu corridor will be completed by 2028, substantially enhancing inter-district and inter-state connectivity.
He said the emphasis on strengthening existing roads will help farmers transport their produce to markets more efficiently and ensure safer, more reliable travel for residents across the region.
