Last mile connectivity: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma launches Rural Connectivity Program

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 15, 2023

Chief Minister Conrad Sangma launched the Chief Minister’s Rural Connectivity Program. This initiative aims to bring the benefits of road and bridge infrastructure, including last-mile connectivity, to various segments of society – farmers, women, youth, tourists, and children.

The government is working on a comprehensive plan to repair and maintain all existing roads and to convert the old Semi-Permanent Timber Bridges to Steel and RCC bridges.

Announcing this on the occasion of the 77th Independence Day celebration held at the state capital, Sangma said “I am launching a new program called the Chief Minister’s Rural Connectivity Program, for providing last mile connectivity to about 1,000 unconnected villages and for building bridges across rivers and streams. These interventions are very critical in remote areas.”

CM in his speech highlighted that every monsoon, 13 villages in Rerapara Block, South West Garo Hills would be cut off due to surge in the Ganol River. Children missed school, deliveries got impeded and livelihoods got jeopardized.

However, the block office, with support from the community, constructed a bridge costing about rupees 4 crore. The iconic Jewilgre bridge today provides all-year easy access to the 5,000 people of the area and has also become a local tourist attraction.