Rajabala MLA cries ‘step-motherly’ treatment; Centre willing, govt looking to upgrade AMPT Road to NH

SHILLONG:

The Agia-Medhipara-Phulbari-Tura (AMPT) road could see better days with its inclusion in the Meghalaya integrated transport project (MITP) coupled with the state government’s plan to move for converting the crucial roadway into a national highway.

A look into the road’s possible future was revealed in the Assembly on September 21 when both Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister in charge PWD Prestone Tynsong sought to assuage Rajabala MLA Dr Mizanur Rahman Kazi who cried “step-motherly” treatment of the government towards the road.

Chief Minister Sangma revealed that a portion of the AMPT road had been included in the Meghalaya Integrated Transport Project (MITP), part of a World Bank initiative aimed at improving transportation infrastructure. This inclusion, he emphasised, marked a significant step forward in addressing the issues plaguing the road.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to the region, Sangma pointed out that, of all the roads in Garo Hills, only the AMPT road had been chosen for improvement under the MITP project. Furthermore, he shared that active construction work was underway, with a particular focus on the Rajabala to Hallydayganj road section, a key component of the MITP initiative.

Acknowledging the challenges inherent in projects of this magnitude, Chief Minister Sangma assured that the government was actively working to overcome these obstacles, underlining their unwavering dedication to the road’s improvement.

Dy CM Prestone Tynsong disclosed the government’s ambitious plan to upgrade the AMPT road to a National Highway, provided the Government of India grants approval.

Tynsong acknowledged the road’s crucial role in connecting to Assam and other areas and its significance for the western part of the Garo Hills. He shared that significant progress had been made on the AMPT road, with work nearly completed on the 32-kilometre stretch. Additionally, ongoing projects under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) aimed to further improve the road, potentially covering a 60-70 kilometre stretch once completed.

Tynsong provided a detailed breakdown of the various sections of the road and their respective statuses, outlining where construction work was ongoing, where preparations were being made, and where the road was already in good condition.

“The government understands the importance of this road,” Tynsong stated, “and we are committed to taking it up to the Ministry of Road Transport.” He expressed the government’s desire to convert this section of the road into a National Highway, recognising its strategic value for the region.

The revelation of the government’s intent to elevate the AMPT road to National Highway status pending the Government of India’s agreement is likely to generate optimism among the residents of Garo Hills and commuters who have long endured the challenges posed by the road’s deteriorating condition.

Earlier, Rajabala MLA Dr Mizanur Rahman Kazi had expressed his frustration over the deplorable condition of the AMPT road, which he perceived as a “step-motherly attitude” of the government towards this crucial roadway, highlighting the deteriorating state of this vital route.