Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has emphasised the critical role of enhanced regional connectivity and border trade as key economic drivers for the state.
Highlighting transformative infrastructure projects, he pointed to the ongoing construction of the 19-km-long Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge, which will connect Assam and Meghalaya, as a major milestone.
In addition, the chief minister announced plans to initiate the construction of National Highway 127B, connecting Phulbari to Goeragre, at an estimated cost of Rs. 1,241 crore.
This project, along with the Tura-Dalu Road, being implemented by the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), aims to facilitate seamless movement of goods and people in the Garo Hills region.
Further, the chief minister revealed a proposal for the development of a comprehensive Border Economic Corridor stretching 450 km from Dalu to Sonapur.
This corridor will provide access to nine Land Custom Stations and one Border Haat at Balat, enhancing cross-border trade.
However, the corridor faces challenges, including 25 dilapidated bridges and missing road links that impede the movement of high-capacity freight and passenger vehicles.
Sangma assured that priority construction of missing links and bridges will commence next year, alongside strengthening infrastructure at Border Haats and Land Custom Stations.
The government is also pursuing the Hili-Mahendraganj Transnational Economic Corridor, which aims to boost connectivity between Meghalaya and the rest of India via Bangladesh.
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The proposed 100-km route has the potential to reduce travel time and costs by 25-60% between Kolkata and key growth centres such as Tura, Baghmara, Dalu, and Dawki.
Road alignment analytics prepared by NHIDCL have been shared with Bangladesh for a feasibility study, with the chief minister expressing optimism about the transformative potential of the corridor.
Additionally, the Inter-State Border Area Development Program will continue to enhance basic infrastructure in villages along the Assam border, including schools, playfields, community halls, roads, and bridges.
For this programme, Rs. 29 crore has been allocated in the 2025-26 budget.
