Shillong, Jan 22: The steel arch bridge, one of the longest in India – ‘Wahrew Bridge’ was inaugurated on Friday by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma. The bridge connects Bholaganj and Sohbar to Nongjri in East Khasi Hills.
Inaugurated the Longest Road Arch Bridge in India, the Wahrew Bridge at #Sohbar constructed at ₹49.395 Cr under NLCPR of @MDoNER_India , connecting Bholaganj & Sohbar to Nongjri. We dedicate this to the progress of the area & (L)Dr Donkupar Roy@narendramodi @DrJitendraSingh pic.twitter.com/HZ1BQEPFCx
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) January 22, 2021
The bridge measuring 169.350 m has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 4.395 cr under the NLCPR of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India.
The inauguration programme was attended by Dy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Speaker, Metbah Lyngdoh, MLA, Balajied Synrem, CEM of KHADC, Titos Khain, MDC, T. Dkhar, Sordars and officials of the PWD Department.
The project also consists of a road length of 6.125 km.
“It is a long cherished dream of the people of the State and the people of East Khasi Hills to have this bridge connecting Bhollanganj and Sohbar with Nongjri over river Wahrew,” the Chief Minister said.
He said that the road and the bridge connect the western part of East Khasi Hills with eastern part up to Pynursla and Dawki, along the Bangladesh border.
“This road and bridge will help boost the economic activities of the State along the border where it is linked with the Bholaganj LCS apart from being the main link along the border from strategic point of view,” the Chief Minister added.
Recalling Dr. Donkupar Roy’s desire to inaugurate the bridge, he said, “It was a very prestigious project for Dr. Donkupar Roy. It was his commitment to the people of the area.”
The bridge was completed in December 2018.
“Roads and Infrastructure are the basis of any form of development. When roads improve, every other economic activity boosts up,” he said, while asserting the MDA government’s commitment to upscale infrastructure projects.
“Road connectivity is of utmost importance in our policy. Therefore, this is reflected in our work. In the last 3 years highest budget allocation has been accorded for road connectivity schemes,” he added.
Deputy CM Tynsong who also addressed the gathering during the inauguration of the Arch Bridge, informed that Rs 145 crore have been sanctioned for the construction of several brand-new roads.
He assured that work orders will be allotted for 4 different Constituencies. “Roads that were left unattended, projects that were left, are being taken up by the MDA Govt. This is the kind of progress that is taking place and this is the commitment of this Govt. The inauguration is one milestone”, said Tynsong.
An online system to monitor the progress of work in real time has been created by the office of Dy CM, he revealed.
Giving praise to the leadership of Conrad K Sangma as the Chief Minister and the Minister-in-Charge of Tourism he said that the MDA Govt will take tourism to a new level and the kind of investment was “unimaginable” .
“This is your property, I am certain this will be an economic boost to the 2 Elakas. The MDA Govt will finish the PMGSY road that connects the bridge within this year. To connect these 2 Elakas the Govt has sanctioned Dawki-Lybgkhat-Tharia Road to the tune of Rs 88 Crore for the development of our border areas. We want to see Infrastructure develop throughout Meghalaya. Change should start first from our villages. MDA Govt. will assure the convenience of people through the road sector” assured the deputy chief minister.
Local MLA Balajied Kupar Synrem, the son of Late Dr. Donkupar Roy, said that the completion of the Bridge was a dream of his father.
“Bridge connects people, it helps these 2 Elakas to bring about future development,” said Balajied and told the gathering that proposals to bring more development in the area, to enrich the lives of the people of the constituency would continue.
Metbah Lyngdoh the sitting speaker of the House said that two years ago the then Speaker and MLA of Shella informed him about the Bridge. “Dr. Donkupar Roy would have been the happiest man to see this bridge with his vision in mind to bring the villages closer”. Metbah said adding that this was indeed one of the most beautiful bridges to be constructed.
