Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated a new road in West Jaintia Hills, marking a significant step in boosting connectivity in the state’s rural landscape. Along with the road inauguration, he also launched a health fest aimed at improving access to medical services in remote regions.
The dual-event took place at Mukhla village in the Thadlaskein block. A large crowd of locals, government officials, and health workers gathered to witness the landmark day. The events reflect Meghalaya’s commitment to balanced development and public welfare.
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The new road links key villages in the district, making travel easier for residents and improving access to schools, markets, and healthcare facilities. Locals welcomed the project with open arms, praising it as a much-needed upgrade.
CM Emphasizes Integrated Development with New Road in West Jaintia Hills
Addressing the gathering, CM Conrad Sangma stressed that the new road in West Jaintia Hills will serve as more than just an infrastructure project. He explained that it is part of a broader strategy to bring inclusive development to the region.
He stated, “Our vision is clear—development should not remain limited to urban centers. Every citizen, whether in a city or a village, deserves better roads, healthcare, and education.” He added that infrastructure like this would help bridge the rural-urban divide.
The road, completed under the state’s rural infrastructure program, spans several kilometers and connects multiple tribal settlements. It will especially benefit farmers, who often struggle to transport produce due to poor road conditions.
Health Fest Offers Free Services Alongside Infrastructure Push
Alongside the road inauguration, the health fest was another highlight of the day. Organized by the state health department, it offered free medical check-ups, vaccinations, eye screenings, and distribution of medicines. Doctors and nurses from nearby government hospitals volunteered their services.
The launch of the health fest reinforced the state’s vision of holistic development. By combining infrastructure with healthcare delivery, the government hopes to ensure that residents enjoy tangible, long-term benefits.
CM Sangma noted that the health fest was particularly timely. “With improved roads, health outreach programs like this will now reach people faster,” he said. He also promised to host similar events across other districts of Meghalaya.
Community Leaders Welcome Road and Healthcare Services
Local leaders expressed gratitude to the government for focusing on remote regions like Thadlaskein. Several elders mentioned that previous governments often overlooked interior areas, leaving them without proper roads or medical access.
Now, with the new road in West Jaintia Hills, change is clearly visible. Young students who previously walked several kilometers to school will now be able to commute safely. Similarly, emergency healthcare will become more accessible thanks to smoother transport routes.
The health fest also received an enthusiastic response. Over 1,000 people took part in the one-day camp, and several patients received referrals for follow-up care in nearby hospitals.
Government’s Broader Push for Rural Connectivity
The new road in West Jaintia Hills forms part of a larger rural connectivity initiative led by the Meghalaya government. Over the past year, the state has sanctioned multiple road projects under various schemes including PMGSY and state-funded programs.
Officials revealed that over 100 kilometers of rural roads have been laid in West and East Jaintia Hills alone. The administration plans to cover more villages in the next financial year. These roads not only connect places but also create job opportunities during the construction phase.
The CM stressed that strong infrastructure will also boost tourism in the region. With better roads, travelers can now access lesser-known scenic spots, encouraging economic growth for local communities.
Focus on Sustainable and Inclusive Growth
CM Sangma emphasized that future development in Meghalaya will focus on sustainability. He assured that the new road in West Jaintia Hills was constructed keeping environmental concerns in mind. Engineers followed eco-friendly construction guidelines to minimize damage to local ecosystems.
The health fest also featured awareness sessions on nutrition, hygiene, and lifestyle diseases. Health officials handed out leaflets and interacted with villagers to address their questions and concerns. Such steps aim to build long-term health awareness in rural pockets.
The Chief Minister closed his visit by saying, “Development is not just about concrete. It is about changing lives. We want our children to grow up healthy, educated, and hopeful—and that begins with roads and healthcare.”
The inauguration of the new road in West Jaintia Hills and the launch of the health fest mark a vital chapter in Meghalaya’s development story. With better connectivity and focused healthcare outreach, the region is set to witness steady progress.
As villagers walked the freshly paved road and queued for free check-ups, the atmosphere reflected optimism. These government-led efforts are not just announcements—they are actions bringing real change to people’s lives.