Raphael Warjri

The long-pending demand for a wider and better road in the Hima Bhowal region is finally gaining momentum, with road-widening works now underway from Phlangwanbroi to Dangar.

The project follows a memorandum submitted by the Dangar Dorbar Shnong to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma during his visit to the area last year. The Chief Minister had then assured the residents that the road issue would be taken up.

The widening is being implemented under a State scheme, with authorities maintaining that residential structures will not be affected. In stretches without houses, the road is being widened further.

However, a major roadblock remains—the heavy movement of hundreds of coke-laden trucks. Commuters have been facing prolonged traffic snarls and are often forced to wait for hours to get through. Overturned coke trucks and other road accidents have also added to concerns along the stretch.

The Weiloi–Phlangwanbroi stretch is being widened with World Bank funding, while the Phlangwanbroi–Dangar–Umpung section is being taken up under the State Plan.

Dangar Headman H. Syiemlieh termed the project a “major blessing” for the people, saying the long-awaited road upgrade would significantly improve connectivity. He, however, urged commuters and residents to remain patient as construction work continues.