Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma inaugurated India’s longest road arch bridge, the Wahrew Bridge at Sohbar in East Khasi Hills district.

The bridge has been constructed at a cost of Rs 49.395 crore under Non Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) of the DoNER ministry.

The bridge connects Bholaganj and Sohbar to Nongjri in East Khasi Hills, bordering Bangladesh.

The funds for the construction of the bridge were sanctioned from the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources of the Union ministry of development of Northeastern region (DoNER).

The Meghalaya chief minister on Friday dedicated the bridge to the progress of the area and late chief minister Dr Donkupar Roy.

“Inaugurated the Longest Road Arch Bridge in India, the Wahrew Bridge at #Sohbar constructed at ?49.395 Cr under NLCPR of @MDoNER_India, connecting Bholaganj & Sohbar to Nongjri. We dedicate this to the progress of the area & (L)Dr Donkupar Roy,” Conrad Sangma tweeted.

An official said that the funds for the bridge were sanctioned from the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources of the Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).

While inaugurating the bridge, the chief minister said: “It was a long cherished dream of the people of Meghalaya and the people of East Khasi Hills to have this bridge connecting Bholaganj and Sohbar with Nongiri over river Wahrew.”

The chief minister said the bridge would help boost tourism and economic activities in the state along its borders.

Meghalaya deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong, Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh, local MLA Balajied Synrem and other senior government officials were present on the occasion.