Ukhrul, May 17: An inspection by the Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) Western Zone has uncovered alarming lapses in the construction of the Raliang–Sahsniang Road in West Jaiñtia Hills District, a 21-kilometre stretch sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-III) scheme.
According to the JNC, only around 2 kilometres of the road—from Raliang to Laskein—have been completed, and even that portion is already showing signs of damage.
The inspection was led by JNC Western Zone President Hamehi Bamon, who expressed serious concern over the quality of the newly constructed stretch. The council found that the blacktopped section was already deteriorating, requiring repairs despite being freshly laid—a sign of what they allege to be poor construction practices by the executing contractor.
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“While we appreciate the government’s intention to improve connectivity in rural areas, the reality on the ground is disappointing,” said a statement issued by the JNC.
“The road is vital for the economic well-being of the villages and surrounding areas, and proper construction will greatly benefit the local population,” they added.
The PMGSY scheme is a flagship programme aimed at providing all-weather road connectivity to unconnected rural areas. However, the JNC’s findings suggest that the implementation in this case has fallen far short of both quality and timeline expectations.
The council has strongly urged the concerned authorities and the contractor responsible for the project to take immediate corrective action. They have also pledged to continue monitoring the progress and ensure that the remaining stretch is completed to a high standard.
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“This isn’t just about a road—it’s about trust, development, and the right of our people to reliable infrastructure,” the JNC asserted, adding that they will advocate for sustainable and transparent development in the region.
The council’s inspection comes amid growing public dissatisfaction over the state of rural infrastructure in many parts of Meghalaya, despite regular announcements of new development schemes.