Dy. CM reviews status of three road projects

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 21, 2019

SHILLONG: Deputy Chief Minister in-charge PWD (Roads) Prestone Tynsong on Tuesday reviewed the status of three road projects including the widening of the 95 kilometers Shillong to Dawki-Tamabil road.

The review meeting was attended by officials from the different departments which include the Public Health Engineering (PHE), Public Works Department (PWD), Forest and Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL).

Talking to media persons, Tynsong said in regards to the Shillong-Dawki road, issues of land acquisition, forest clearance for the portion of land from 3rd Mile to Upper Shillong, which falls under the reserved forest, and shifting of utility were discussed during the meeting.

“The status of the project is satisfactory and all the departments have been instructed to complete the process at the earliest,” he said.

He said the MeECL has been asked to shift the existing lines while the PHE to submit the estimates for shifting the main feeder pipes of the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme (GSWSS) from Mawphlang as these will be affected with the construction of the project.

According to him, the forest department is already in the process of issuing the forest clearance.

The road project estimated at Rs 1187.5 crore is to be funded by Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under loan agreement. Including land acquisition the total project cost was estimated at Rs 1377.5 crore.

The ambitious project is aimed at constructing a four-lane road from Umshyrpi to 7th Mile, Upper Shillong and from there a two-lane road to Dawki-Tamabil.

The deputy chief minister said section 11 has been notified under the Land Acquisition Act and the deputy commissioner has been asked to work out the estimate for the purpose of land acquisition.

Once this is completed, he said disbursement of the land compensation will follow adding that the land required for construction of the two lane road is 45 meters from pavement to pavement.

Asked on defence land, Tynsong said that the matter is being taken up by the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways (MoRTH) with the Defence Ministry.

With regards to the Ranikor to Baghmara road project, the deputy chief minister informed that the work order for only 30km from Ranikor – Nongjri has been issued under the first package adding “beyond that, survey is still being done”.

He said the implementing agency, National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), has given the work for this portion of road to the Dhar Company.

Tynsong further informed that work has already started for the 60 km Dalu to Tura road project.