Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma inaugurated the Wahrew Bridge over the river Tharia, under Shella constituency, East Khasi Hills, today.
The bridge connects the two Elakas of Sohbar and Nongjri. At 169.35 metres, the single span semi-arch bridge was constructed at a cost of Rs 49.395 crore and is the first of its kind in Meghalaya.
On social media Sangma said that this is “the longest road arch bridge in India”. He also dedicated the bridge to the progress of the area and the late MLA of the area, Donkupar Roy, “whose vision and commitment led to the completion of the project.”
At the venue, the CM said that the project is testimony to the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government’s commitment to developing road connectivity in the state.
“The highest priority in terms of infrastructure has been accorded to road connectivity and we are seeing the results of that and people are getting the benefits,” Sangma said, adding that there are more than 500 roads being implemented under a central scheme in the state.
He also said that many national highways that were left unattended for several years have finally seen work conducted under his government.
Meghalaya Assembly Speaker, Metbah Lyngdoh who spoke on the occasion, said that the bridge will not only connect Sohbar with Nongjri but also can be a tourist attraction.
The Speaker asked the people in the area to have a sense of ownership and keep the river clean.
Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong, who is in charge of the Public Works Department, said that various road projects are lined up in the area, like a border road connecting Dawki in West Jaiñtia Hills to Lyngkhat and Tharia in East Khasi Hills, which has been earmarked at a cost of Rs 88 crore.
The Deputy Chief Minister also said that Rs 5 crore has been sanctioned for the Mawmluh-Mawshamok road under Shella constituency.
