Conrad seeks Rajnath’s help for airport expansion in Meghalaya

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Sunday said he sought Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s intervention for expediting key infrastructure projects in the State, including Shillong Airport expansion and strategic road connectivity along the India-Bangladesh border.

Sangma said several projects require the cooperation of the armed forces.

“We have requested the defence minister to help the State Government achieve these goals,” he told reporters, following an International Yoga Day event at the Advanced Landing Ground in Upper Shillong.

Sangma said the State was receiving “full support” from the Defence Ministry for the expansion of Shillong Airport and the defence minister had also backed the proposed four-laning of the Rilbong-Barik Point stretch in the city.

The chief minister said he also raised the issue of improving connectivity between Ranikor in South West Khasi Hills district and Ratacherra in East Jaintia Hills district, describing it as a critical missing link close to the India-Bangladesh border with strategic significance.

“We share a very long and important border with Bangladesh. The road connectivity from Ranikor to Dalu has already been established,” he said.

Sangma said the corridor would ultimately connect through National Highway 217 and National Highway 127B to the Phulbari-Dhubri Bridge, creating an important route towards Silchar.

“There is a gap in the Ratecherra-Ranikor stretch, and we have requested the Defence Ministry that this be declared a strategic road not just for economic or civilian purposes but also for ensuring the security of the nation,” he said.

Sangma said Rajnath Singh had responded positively to the proposal.