Shillong, April 23: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Wednesday presided over a key review meeting to evaluate the progress and obstacles in road construction under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) across the state’s border regions.

Briefing the press after the meeting, Tynsong acknowledged that road development in sensitive frontier villages has been slowed by procedural requirements. He explained that No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from central agencies such as the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) must be secured before construction begins in areas close to international boundaries, leading to delays in several ongoing and planned projects.

“The Government remains committed to enhancing connectivity in border villages, but due process must be observed. NOCs from the BSF and CPWD are indispensable, and this meeting was convened to streamline the procedure and resolve bottlenecks,” Tynsong remarked.

Officials also examined specific stretches of roads lying outside the international border fencing, noting the technical and administrative challenges of ensuring access for residents while complying with national security protocols. Tynsong stressed that efforts are underway to strike a balance between infrastructure needs and security considerations.

He further disclosed that a considerable portion of the Meghalaya–Bangladesh boundary remains unfenced, with nearly 50 kilometres yet to be covered. This, he added, complicates the planning and execution of road projects in the region.