SHILLONG, APR 17: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday inaugurated the construction of Sonagre–Jijikapara Road Bridge No. 5/7 over River Bugi and the widening to Double Lane of Kujikura–Dimapara Road (4.00 kms) at Jijikapara village and said his government has invested significantly in improving road infrastructure and connectivity during the past eight years.
In his address, Sangma said that the bridge was a long-felt necessity for the people of the area, who had faced considerable difficulties in the past due to lack of proper connectivity.
“This bridge was not just important, it was essential for the people here who have struggled for years to cross and stay connected,” he stated.
Highlighting the Government’s efforts, he noted that over the past eight years, multiple schemes and projects have been undertaken to strengthen connectivity across the State.
“In the last eight years, we have invested significantly in improving road infrastructure and connectivity, ensuring that even remote areas are linked to growth centres,” he said.
He further emphasized that the Government has adopted an inclusive and equitable approach to development, prioritizing regions that require critical infrastructure. “Our approach has been to ensure that development reaches every corner of the State, especially areas that have long been underserved,” he added.
The Chief Minister also stated that the State Government continues to work closely with the Central Government and various agencies to implement key developmental projects. “Our collaboration with the Government of India and partner agencies has enabled us to take up major infrastructure initiatives that are transforming connectivity in Meghalaya,” he said.
The Sonagre–Jijikapara Road originates from NH-62 at Dimapara and connects to Megua Songmong (Rugapara), spanning 5.30 kms, with the total distance from Dalu (Barengapara) to Megua Village measuring 9.30 kms. Bridge No. 5/7 over the Bugi River, with a span of 90.00 metres, was sanctioned during 2022–2023 under the World Bank-funded CERC component of the Meghalaya Integrated Transport Project (MITP) at a cost of ₹1,499.95 lakh and executed by M/s MIDAS Construction.
Located at Jijikapara under Dalu C&RD Block, the bridge connects West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills across the Bugi (Bugai) River, linking Jijikapara with Megua Songmong under Chokpot C&RD Block and effectively closing a critical connectivity gap. It will benefit villages including Sonagre, Chandapara, Jijikapara, Abeagre, Awalgre, and A.simgre in West Garo Hills, and Megua Songmong, Megua A.bagre, Ruga Doldoma, Ruga Songmong, Chokpot, and Dimapara in South Garo Hills, covering an estimated population of 6,181.
The Kujikura–Dimapara Road project involves widening to a double lane of a 4.00 km MDR stretch from the 146th km of NH-51 at Kujikura, Dalu, to the 199th km of NH-62 at Dimapara. Sanctioned under the State Plan for 2025–2026 at ₹2,374.48 lakh (vide order dated March 30, 2026), the work is being executed by M/s JS & Company. The road serves as a vital link between NH-51 and NH-62, enhancing regional connectivity.
The project will benefit villages including Kujikura (703), Dalu Dapgre (611), Upper Bamanpara (548), Lower Bamanpara (349), and Dimapara (396), with an estimated total population of 2,607, while significantly strengthening inter-highway connectivity.
The programme concluded with the formal inauguration of the Kujikura–Dimapara Road widening works.
By Our Reporter
