Nongpoh, Dec 11: The end of hardships for the people of Umden and nearby areas, who have long waited for a decent road, is finally in sight with the laying of the foundation stone for the construction of the Nongpoh-Umden-Sonapur (NUS) road.

Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong laid the foundation stone of the important road on Tuesday at Umden.

The event was attended by Nongpoh MLA Mayral Born Syiem, Umsning MLA Dr. Celestine Lyngdoh, Nongpoh MDC Balajied Rani, and senior officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) Roads and Buildings, among others.

The Nongpoh-Umden-Sonapur road, which has been in deplorable condition for years, particularly during the rainy season, has been a major challenge for local residents. The project’s initiation is seen as a major step toward easing transportation woes and improving the quality of life for the local community.

The first phase of the project covers a 20-kilometer stretch from Nongpoh to Umden and is estimated to cost Rs. 49.53 crore, sanctioned under the state’s road development plan. The second phase, from Umden to Sonapur, spans 38.6 kilometers and will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 47.20 crore under PMGSY III Batch I. The completed road will feature a 5.5-meter-wide intermediate lane.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong expressed his joy at fulfilling a long-pending demand of the people of Umden. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the state’s infrastructure, highlighting substantial investments in roads and bridges across Meghalaya.

“We have been working tirelessly to improve infrastructure in Meghalaya. Over the past few years, the state government has invested thousands of crores in road development, with several projects already completed or underway,” Tynsong informed.

He detailed the allocation of funds for infrastructure projects, including Rs. 1,100 crore under the state plan, Rs. 1,100 crore under PMGSY, Rs. 400 crore from the Central Infrastructure Fund (CIRF), Rs. 140 crore from the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), and Rs. 2,000 crore from the World Bank.

Nongpoh MLA Mayral Born Syiem expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, and others involved in making the project a reality.

Syiem recalled the hardships and challenges endured by the people of Umden due to the poor condition of the road. “The complaints, grievances, and unpleasant comments from the local people over the years have finally been addressed by the state government. This road is a long-overdue reply to the needs of the community,” he said.

Syiem expressed hope that the new road would bring significant positive changes, improving not only transportation but also the socio-economic conditions of the region.

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