SHILLONG, Jan 27: The Meghalaya government has floated a tender for the long-pending Weiloi Balat Ranikor road, marking a key step toward building a permanent road link in the state’s southern border region after more than 40 years of public demand. The project is expected to significantly enhance Meghalaya southern border connectivity once completed.
According to officials, the Public Works Department (PWD) has issued a notification for the construction of a 47-kilometre permanent intermediate road connecting Weiloi, Balat and Ranikor. The route is one of the oldest road alignments in the state and dates back to the period when Meghalaya was part of undivided Assam.
Despite its strategic importance, the road remained in poor condition for decades and underwent only temporary repairs. Local residents faced regular disruptions due to damaged surfaces, especially during the monsoon season, affecting daily travel, transport of goods and access to essential services along the Weiloi Balat Ranikor road.
The move was welcomed by the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) Southern Border Area. Its president, Kyllang Thongni, said the demand for proper construction of the road had continued uninterrupted despite multiple changes in political leadership over the years.
Thongni stated that the issue had been consistently raised as a basic infrastructure requirement for people living along the southern border belt. He said the floating of the tender reflected a long-awaited response to those demands.
The organisation has appealed to landowners, shnong heads and traditional institutions along the proposed alignment to cooperate with the authorities during land acquisition to avoid delays in execution.
Officials indicated that once completed, the Weiloi Balat Ranikor road is expected to improve year-round connectivity in the region. Better access is likely to support agricultural movement, reduce travel time between villages and strengthen links to nearby markets.
The project is also expected to improve access to tourist destinations in Balat, Phlangwanroi, Mawsynram and Ranikor, which currently face connectivity constraints due to road conditions.
