Shillong, Aug 26: The long-pending Rongjeng-Mangsang-Adokgre (RMA) road is 97 per cent complete, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge PWD Prestone Tynsong told the Assembly on Wednesday.
Replying to Rongjeng-Mangsang MLA Jim M Sangma, Tynsong said two contractors were engaged — for 48 km and 22 km stretches — under the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR).
The project, first projected at Rs 210 crore, was finally sanctioned at Rs 123.28 crore by the Ministry of DoNER in 2018, forcing the state to cut length from 38 km to 22 km.
“The reduction is in length, not width,” Tynsong said, adding remaining works, including a bridge over the Inlet River, will be taken up under a World Bank-funded project and completed within 2026.
MLA Jim Sangma called the road a lifeline linking East Garo Hills, North Garo Hills and Assam, crucial for farmers and market access, and urged speedy completion nine years after sanction.
Leader of Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma questioned the funding cut, saying the RMA was conceived with Rs 120 crore under NLCPR and Rs 80 crore under NEC. He called it a vital interstate alternative and flagged its tourism potential.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said DoNER objected to funding the same project under two heads, forcing withdrawal of the Rs 80 crore NEC component. The amount was not lost but diverted to other projects, he said.
Mukul termed it a Centre “U-turn” and asked the state to record its protest. Conrad said the state had protested but had to accept after a change in DoNER leadership.
The House also stressed prioritising strategic interstate and border roads, including Shillong-Nongstoiñ-Tura route, Mairang to Assam via Patharkhmah and other proposed links in the Khasi, Jaintia and Ri-Bhoi regions.
