Strategic border road, Shillong Airport expansion and key infrastructure projects discussed
Shillong, June 21: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh joined armed forces personnel and state officials in celebrating International Yoga Day at the Eastern Air Command in Shillong on Sunday, where he participated in a mass yoga session.
Speaking to reporters, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for spearheading the observance of International Yoga Day and expressed gratitude to the Defence Minister for attending the programme in Shillong.
The Chief Minister highlighted the benefits of yoga, describing it as an effective practice for improving physical fitness, flexibility and overall well-being. He encouraged people, especially the youth, to make yoga a part of their daily routine.
Following the event, Meghalaya Chief Minister and the Defence Minister discussed several key infrastructure projects requiring cooperation from the armed forces and the Ministry of Defence.
Among the major issues raised were the proposed expansion of Shillong Airport and the four-lane road project connecting Shillong city to Barik Point. Sangma said the Ministry of Defence has extended its support to both initiatives.
A key focus of the discussion was the proposed road link between Ranikor and Ratacherra along the India-Bangladesh border. The Chief Minister urged the Defence Minister to declare the stretch a strategic road, citing its importance for both national security and regional development.
Sangma said connectivity from Ranikor to Dalu has already been established in phases, linking the route to NH-217 and NH-127B and further through the Phulbari-Dhubri bridge corridor towards Silchar. However, the Ratacherra-Ranikor stretch remains undeveloped.
He stressed that completing the missing link would strengthen border connectivity, improve movement of people and goods, and serve strategic defence interests in the region.
According to the Chief Minister, Rajnath Singh responded positively to the proposal and assured that the matter would receive due consideration.
Sangma also noted that the issue had earlier been discussed with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, who had underscored the importance of Defence Ministry support for the project.
If approved, the proposed strategic road is expected to enhance connectivity along Meghalaya’s international border and emerge as a key defence and economic corridor for the Northeast.
